A staggering 30.4 million people in Sudan - approximately 64 percent of the population - are in need of humanitarian assistance humanitarian assistance in 2025, according to a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This represents a sharp 23 percent increase from the 24.8 million people recorded in its previous report, due to the escalating armed conflict and limited humanitarian access, said the UN agency.
Of all in distress, around 16 million are minors, the report revealed.
Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 is seeking 4.2 billion U.S. dollars to provide aid and protection to some 21 million most vulnerable people, said the report.
The areas most acutely affected include the western states of South Darfur and North Darfur, Gezira State in central Sudan, and Sudan's capital Khartoum, where a combined 11.4 million people are in urgent need of essentials like food, water, and healthcare, according to the report.
The humanitarian emergency in Sudan stems from the violent clashes that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More regions were involved after the violence spread. The protracted conflict has claimed the lives of an estimated 28,700 Sudanese and displaced around 12.3 million people.
30.4 million in Sudan requiring humanitarian aid: UN report
30.4 million in Sudan requiring humanitarian aid: UN report
China has delivered a significant batch of emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, consisting of 58 tonnes of urgently needed medical supplies, as Iran grapples with the consequences of the recent conflict with the United States and Israel.
The aid was formally handed over on Wednesday during a signing ceremony in Tehran between the Chinese Embassy in Iran and the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu and President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Pir Hossein Kolivand attended the event.
Cong said that China has always been concerned about the Iranian people and will continue to work with the international community to promote the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.
"This aid package, totaling 58 tonnes, consists entirely of medicines. The recent war launched by the United States and Israel has caused a major humanitarian disaster for Iran, and medicine is in urgent need. Through this assistance, we hope to demonstrate the deep friendship of the Chinese people toward the Iranian people and help them overcome these hardships as soon as possible," said Cong.
Kolivand expressed sincere gratitude to China for extending a helping hand during difficult times and for providing valuable support to Iran on various occasions.
"In addition to China's support for the Iranian government, China's humanitarian aid has also been delivered to Iran. This assistance reflects China's care and compassion for our country and people. We extend our heartfelt gratitude, with special appreciation for the delivery of nearly 60 tonnes of medicine from China," he said.
China provides emergency humanitarian aid to Iran
