Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Reaches Catastrophic Levels as 11.6 Million Remain Displaced

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached "catastrophic levels," according to Humanity & Inclusion, an international NGO that focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities. Three years into the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the crisis has escalated to unprecedented proportions. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has triggered one of the fastest-growing man-made humanitarian disasters in recent history. Over 11.6 million people have been displaced, and more than 33 million require urgent assistance. By the end of January 2026, over three million people had returned home, including 700,000 who had fled abroad. Most of these returns occurred in regions where violence has largely subsided, such as Khartoum, Blue Nile, and Gezira.

The war has left basic services in ruins, with medical care, food, and clean water increasingly inaccessible. Humanity & Inclusion highlighted that the situation for the most vulnerable—particularly people with disabilities—has worsened as violence persists and infrastructure collapses. The NGO estimates that 4.6 million people in Sudan live with disabilities, representing about 16 percent of the population. In conflict-affected areas, this number is likely much higher due to injuries, trauma, and chronic health issues exacerbated by limited access to care. People with disabilities face "extreme challenges" in fleeing violence, accessing aid, and protecting themselves from harm. They are often among the first to be left behind, facing heightened risks of violence, abuse, discrimination, and exclusion.

Explosive remnants of war have become a new and deadly threat for millions of displaced people returning to their homes. Areas of return and former front lines are heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance, including antipersonnel mines. These hazards are present in homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and on roads, creating a constant threat to civilians. The presence of unexploded ordnance severely restricts access to essential services and livelihoods, complicating efforts to rebuild communities. Humanity & Inclusion emphasized that the risks posed by these remnants are especially dire for people with disabilities, who may struggle to navigate minefields or access medical care if facilities are destroyed.

The NGO called for immediate action to address the growing crisis, including increased funding for humanitarian aid, demining operations, and targeted support for people with disabilities. It also urged the international community to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations and ensure that aid reaches those most in need. With the war showing no signs of abating, the situation in Sudan remains a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for coordinated global responses.