Denise Brown described a crisis marked by a cycle of abuse and suffering. “We are really in a cycle that is escalating in Sudan – sexual violence, displacement, deaths: everything is escalating,” declared the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, in a virtual press conference from Khartoum, at the UN headquarters in New York.
Massacres and sexual violence
Reports from the UN Human Rights Office and humanitarian partners indicate widespread rapes, including collective rapes, especially in Darfur. “These sexual violence cases are part of a systemic pattern, and women and girls bear the consequences,” lamented Ms. Brown. During the past year, humanitarian workers in Darfur have cared for over 2,500 survivors of sexual violence. The impact goes well beyond the direct victims. “It is also necessary to address pregnancies resulting from these acts of violence, and their consequences for the victims, families, communities – and especially for the children,” emphasized the humanitarian leader. Pointing out that the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan now mentions signs of genocide, Ms. Brown also highlighted the massacres around El Fasher, where, according to verified information, 6,000 people were reportedly killed in three days – “probably a greatly underestimated toll.”
Prevention rather than suffering
The Humanitarian Coordinator urged the international community to do much more to prevent atrocities. “Why does global outrage not translate into action? What more is needed?” she questioned. Member States “must examine the war economy, the resources mobilized, and the arms flows to find a real solution to this conflict,” as well as enforce the arms embargo in Darfur. Also serving as Resident Coordinator, Ms. Brown clarified that UN agencies, international NGOs, and Sudanese organizations remain present throughout the country, doing their utmost to help populations survive. But humanitarian action cannot substitute for a political solution to end the war. “We are present… but we are picking up the pieces: we are not the solution,” she affirmed.
Dilling under fire, civilians trapped
Among the most concerning areas is Dilling, in South Kordofan. Humanitarian convoys were finally able to reach the city after years of difficulties, and a visit was possible in March – before the locality was attacked again. Today, convoys can no longer access it, and civilians are trying to flee again under daily bombardments. “There is no safe way out,” she declared. The situation is also deteriorating in the Blue Nile State, where nearly 30,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting. However, there is a glimmer of hope: local communities are organizing to counter hate speech and support grassroots peace initiatives.
Funding lagging behind
In 2025, the humanitarian plan for Sudan was only 35% funded, and the $2.9 billion appeal for 2026 is only covered by 16%, regretted Ms. Brown. “A tent remains a tent – I have no magic wand – it does not turn into six tents,” she emphasized, illustrating the concrete impact of this deficit while expressing gratitude to donors. Despite donor mobilization, the needs remain immense in what she describes as the “largest and most complex crisis.” Addressing journalists, the senior UN official pleaded: “Please, do not call this a forgotten crisis. I am talking about an abandoned crisis.”
