UN Calls for Urgent Action as Sudan Faces Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis

On February 14, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address at a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on the escalating crisis in Sudan.

The conference, organized by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and attended by leaders from various African nations, aims to mobilize urgent international support to address the severe humanitarian situation affecting millions of Sudanese.

In his remarks, Guterres emphasized the dire need for immediate action, stating that Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality.

He highlighted that over 14 million people are internally displaced, and more than half of the Sudanese population requires urgent assistance due to ongoing conflicts that have persisted since April 2023.

The UN chief called for an end to the flow of weapons fueling the violence and urged all parties involved to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

The conference seeks to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has seen tens of thousands killed and millions displaced as fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Guterres recognized the efforts of local responders and civil society organizations working tirelessly under dangerous conditions to provide assistance.

Despite the critical nature of the situation, the conference faced criticism from the Sudanese government, which accused the UAE of undermining Sudan’s sovereignty by hosting discussions without its participation.

Malik Agar, deputy chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, condemned the conference as a violation of principles established by the African Union.

As part of the international response, the UAE announced a $200 million aid package aimed at providing essential support to those affected by the conflict. This funding is expected to be channeled through UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations.

The conference represents a significant step towards coordinating relief efforts and mobilizing resources for those impacted by violence in Sudan, as global leaders come together to address one of the most pressing humanitarian crises on the continent.