Sudan Crisis Deepens as Millions Face Displacement, Hunger and Collapse of Livelihoods

Families across Sudan continue to endure a worsening humanitarian crisis, three years after conflict first erupted in April 2023, forcing millions from their homes.

Despite the passage of time, the crisis shows no signs of easing. According to a new survey by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), many displaced families remain trapped in a relentless cycle of displacement, hunger, and loss across Sudan and neighbouring Chad and South Sudan.

The report, based on responses from 1,293 displaced households, paints a grim picture of life on the move, with each forced relocation stripping families of what little they have left.

Mass Displacement and Hunger Crisis

Inside Sudan alone, more than nine million people remain displaced, while nearly 29 million are facing acute hunger—one of the largest humanitarian emergencies globally.

The findings show that:

• About 90% of displaced families have lost their homes
• Nearly 75% have no stable source of income
• Over 80% of households in Sudan regularly skip meals
• Food shortages are even more severe in South Sudan, where almost all families surveyed reported missing meals

Children Bear the Brunt

The crisis is also taking a heavy toll on children. Education systems have collapsed in many areas, with only 45% of displaced children still attending school regularly.

In a troubling trend, about 18% of households reported sending children to work in order to survive, highlighting the growing socioeconomic strain on families.

A Breaking Point

Aid groups warn that the resilience of affected communities is being stretched to its limit. The NRC said families have so far relied on coping mechanisms, community support, and sheer endurance—but those options are rapidly running out.

“The situation is no longer sustainable,” the report indicates, warning that without increased international support, millions could face even more severe consequences.

As the conflict drags on, humanitarian organisations are urging urgent global intervention to address food insecurity, restore livelihoods, and support millions of displaced people struggling to rebuild their lives.