The people of Sudan are trapped in siege-like conditions “with no escape, no hope, and often forced to face unspeakable abuse,” a senior official with the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday in Geneva.

As the conflict in Sudan simmers on, the recent statements from the UN and humanitarian officials highlight the dire situation facing civilians. Mohamed Refaat, the IOM Chief of Mission in Sudan, painted a grim picture of a capital ravaged by conflict and housing a populace under siege conditions. The resurgence of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023 has led to significant civilian suffering, marked by ongoing displacements and unmet humanitarian needs. Reports indicate that essential infrastructure, including water and electric facilities, has been strategically targeted, leaving many, like Sarah, an elderly math teacher, trapped without means to escape the chaos around them. The urgency for humanitarian aid cannot be overstated, as the IOM seeks $250 million to help around 1.7 million people in Sudan, yet only a fraction of that amount has been acquired. As the UN highlights the plight of those fleeing Khartoum city—an exodus driven by fear and desperation—the overall humanitarian landscape remains bleak with the specter of continued violence looming. The international community's role in addressing this crisis will be critical moving forward, but future aid flows remain uncertain amid allegations against both warring factions for human rights abuses. The situation warrants the public's attention and urgent action, as voices like Refaat's draw on personal visits to the demolished city to urge world leaders not to overlook this growing humanitarian crisis.