Sudan is in crisis. Death, famine, the loss of homes and livelihoods, physical and sexual violence, and disease – these are just some of the daily risks facing the Sudanese people.
Reports highlight alarming protection risks, including targeted attacks on civilians and water poisoning incidents, increasing fear and uncertainty (UNICEF, December 2024).
To date, 150,000 people have died.
And, as sadly often the case, children caught up in the crisis are being hit hardest.
Children are facing a multitude of risks to their safety, security and education.
“Children are always asking when they can go home.”, Limia, Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sudan
Effect on children
Malnutrition &
Health
Around 16million children are facing food insecurity and the risk of starvation.
80% of health facilities are closed, making access to healthcare nearly impossible for millions (WHO, December 2024; UNOCHA, December 2024).
Many people are spending hours simply searching for water, much of which is unsafe.
Child Protection & Gender-based Violence
Children as young as 11 are being recruited, publicly, into armed groups. This undermines child protection laws and highlights an increasing concern for the physical and mental safety of children.
6.7million people, including children, are at risk of gender-based violence. Cases of sexual violence have been reported across many states.
Displacement & Education
12million people are displaced – 6million are children.
19million children are out of school, leaving a generation without prospects for the future.
people have died
and this number will only rise
people displaced
living in overcrowded and under resourced areas
facing gender-based violence
including children
children out of school
facing uncertain futures as education is on hold
Our impact so far
SOS Children’s Villages’ Emergency Response Programme has supported 32,000 children and families in Sudan through:
food distribution
child protection services
mental health and psychosocial support
water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services
In addition to this, life-saving assistance was offered to 81 children in government orphanages and 111 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Kassala and New Halfa cities through medicines for children, laboratory equipment, and food packages.
A range of programmes were also carried out to protect children without parental care and to support displaced children and families. These covered the following areas of need:
Child Safeguarding
Child safeguarding is always a key part of all SOS Children’s Villages programmes. SOS Children’s Villages Sudan made sure all staff, caregivers, and community partners had detailed training on child safeguarding policies and procedures to lessen risks and help stop abuse.
Efforts to raise awareness and influence change (advocacy) have strengthened partnerships with government entities at national and state levels. This has led to better child protection measures and helped children get legal documents they need for relocation.
Education & Employability
Education has remained a priority despite instability. Support has included helping two students to complete their university studies and 12 others to sit their Sudanese exams in northern states. Additionally, groups of young people were trained in nursing and sewing.
A further 40 young people obtained legal documents, including IDs and passports, allowing them to pursue education and employment opportunities. And an additional 14 were supported to develop ‘exit plans’, setting the foundations for a successful move into independence.
Community Support
Gender awareness sessions were carried out to help prevent gender-based violence and early marriage among displaced communities.
In addition, SOS Children’s Villages Sudan has been assisting the successful integration of SOS families into host communities through strengthened community engagement.
Furthermore, SOS Children’s Villages Sudan secured $900,000 to address the most urgent needs of displaced individuals and children without parental care in Kassala.
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