Humanitarian Situation in Sudan Reaches Catastrophic Levels, Says NGO

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels for civilians, with persons with disabilities facing even greater challenges, according to the nongovernmental organisation Humanity & Inclusion.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in April 2023, has led to one of the world's fastest-growing man-made humanitarian crises.

Humanity & Inclusion, an international NGO focused on disabled and vulnerable people in dire situations, stated that the situation of the most vulnerable continues to deteriorate as violence persists, basic services collapse, and threats are posed by unexploded ordnance.

According to the NGO, an estimated 11.6 million people have been displaced in the war, and more than 33 million require humanitarian assistance. It added that more than three million people had already returned home by the end of January 2026, including 700,000 from abroad.

Most returns occurred to states where violence had largely subsided, such as Khartoum, Blue Nile, and Gezira.

Extreme Challenges for People with Disabilities

Humanity & Inclusion said that 4.6 million people, about 16 percent of Sudan's population, live with disabilities. In conflict-affected areas, this figure is likely to be far higher due to injury, trauma, chronic health deterioration, and barriers to care.

People with disabilities face extreme challenges in fleeing violence, accessing aid, and protecting themselves from harm. They are also often among the first to be left behind and face significantly higher risks of violence, abuse, discrimination, and exclusion.

New and Deadly Danger: Explosive Remnants of War

Humanity & Inclusion pointed to explosive remnants of war as a new and deadly danger for millions of displaced people returning home. 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, posing a constant threat to civilians and severely restricting access to essential services and livelihoods.