Sudan: people with disabilities among the hardest hit by unbearable violence

Humanity & Inclusion is alarmed by the escalating violence and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, following two and a half years of devastating conflict and the prolonged siege-like conditions in Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

Credible reports suggest widespread executions that have placed hundreds of thousands of people, including civilians and humanitarian workers, under significant threat. Homes, hospitals and markets have been destroyed, medical supplies are depleted, and access to humanitarian aid is severely constrained. 

Consequently, persons with disabilities, and the most vulnerable, including women, children and the elderly are now facing extreme risks. There are also reports of persons with disabilities being executed because they were unable to flee. According to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Sudan, persons with disabilities represent approximately 15% of people in need (around 4.6 million people). In conflict-affected areas of Sudan, the proportion of persons with disabilities is likely far higher as the prevalence of disability increases significantly during and after crises. Long-term disabilities are also linked to malnourishment, exacerbated by the mass displacement, healthcare collapse and the severe restricted access to essential services and basic needs such as food, fuel, water. 

‘This wave of violence is unbearable, and it particularly affects the most vulnerable people, especially those with disabilities. Don't we say that no one should be left behind? As always, the consequences of these conflicts involve serious risks related to the development of disabilities due to war injuries, which, if not treated promptly, lead to permanent disabilities. There is an immense need for physical rehabilitation, protection and mental health care to deal with trauma. It is crucial that humanitarian aid is delivered without hindrance to the population in need’ said Vincent Dalonneau, HI Country Director for Sudan. 

Humanity & Inclusion acknowledges the disproportionate impact of the violence of persons with disabilities. We therefore call UN Agencies and all stakeholders involved to work towards the full implementation of human rights frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and reaffirm the implementation of the Commitments of the Intern-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines and Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. We also call upon all implementing partners to be disability inclusive in their programming. 

Humanity & Inclusion strongly condemns the serious violations of international humanitarian law and recalls the obligation of the parties to the conflict under Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions to protect persons not taking part in hostilities. We, therefore, call on all parties to: 

• Take all feasible measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures 
• Allow for safe and unimpeded passage of civilians wishing to leave Al-Fasher 
• Allow for safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian actors in all areas, and ensure that humanitarian operations are immediate and sustained, 
• Immediately cease attacks on humanitarian workers and ensure, through guarantees and appropriate monitoring, that humanitarian workers are not subject to arrest or detention for performing humanitarian services. 

Spokespersons are available upon media request.