Three years of conflict in Sudan: Civilians remain trapped in a deepening protection crisis

For three years, violence, displacement and the collapse of basic services have defined daily life. 

Millions have been forced to flee their homes, as widespread harm to civilians, including attacks on residential areas, unimaginable physical and sexual violence and the destruction of critical infrastructure have driven fear, insecurity and the collapse of basic services. For many, displacement is not a one-time event but a repeated experience, as families are forced to move multiple times in search of safety. Despite the scale of needs, international action has not kept pace. 

The situation faced by the people of Sudan has evolved into a prolonged and compounding protection crisis. Civilians are not only displaced by violence but remain exposed to harm at every stage of their flight. Violations of international humanitarian law continue with near total impunity. Civilians are being targeted, essential infrastructure destroyed, and humanitarian space is shrinking. 

Over the past year, the conflict has intensified in some of the most vulnerable areas of the country. In Darfur, the fall of El Fasher was accompanied by reports of mass killings, widespread sexual violence and attacks on civilians. Displacement sites are now severely overcrowded, with needs far exceeding available humanitarian assistance. 

In Kordofan, escalating hostilities and shifting frontlines have left civilians facing increasing dangers, with repeated displacement driven by severe shortages of food, water and healthcare. Despite reports of lifted sieges, areas remain contested and access remains severely constrained.  

Across affected areas, civilians face difficult choices. Should they remain in areas with ongoing insecurity and limited access to basic services, or move along unsafe routes where they risk violence, exploitation, and further displacement? Sudan’s economic collapse is further reducing households’ ability to meet basic needs, including food, water and shelter. 

Despite the scale of needs, humanitarian access remains a major constraint. Even where assistance is available, it does not reach all those in need, and displaced populations often face the greatest barriers to support. 

This crisis is not inevitable. Without sustained pressure to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access and address the drivers of this conflict, the suffering we are witnessing will continue to deepen. 

As Sudan enters its fourth year of conflict, urgent and sustained action is needed. International actors must work collectively to ensure the immediate protection of civilians and to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access, while scaling up assistance and strengthening sustained support for locally led responses. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian actors must be able to safely reach those in need. The people of Sudan cannot afford another year of inaction.