32 signatories warn of growing famine risk in Sudan

A UK-led group of 32 countries and organisations warned on October 23 that Sudan faces a growing risk of famine in the coming months and urged the warring parties to allow aid to reach people without obstruction. The joint statement, issued by the United Kingdom and 31 partners, said 19.5 million people in Sudan were experiencing acute food insecurity, including 5 million facing emergency levels. It also warned that severe acute malnutrition among children could exceed a projected 825,000 without immediate action to reverse the trend. The signatories said the number of areas affected by food insecurity was expected to double from an initial assessment of 14. The statement called for full, safe and rapid humanitarian access across front lines and borders, including air access into Darfur. It urged the parties to protect humanitarian workers and refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure. The signatories also called for increased international funding and measures to reduce delays in visas and customs clearance, and to remove additional permits, taxes and other bureaucratic barriers to aid deliveries. The warning identified conflict as a principal driver of worsening...