Denise Brown described a crisis marked by a cycle of abuse and suffering. “We are truly in a cycle that is intensifying in Sudan – sexual violence, displacement, deaths: everything is escalating,” stated the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan during a press briefing in New York.
Reports from the UN human rights office and humanitarian partners indicate widespread rapes, including gang rape, especially in Darfur. “These sexual violence incidents are part of a systemic pattern, and women and girls bear the consequences,” lamented Ms. Brown. Over the past year, humanitarians in Darfur have assisted nearly 2,500 survivors of sexual violence, with the impact extending beyond the direct victims.
“It is also necessary to address the pregnancies resulting from these acts of violence, and their ramifications for victims, families, communities – and especially for children,” emphasized the humanitarian leader. Noting that the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan now mentions signs of genocide, Ms. Brown also highlighted the massacres around El Fasher, where, according to verified information, 6,000 people may have been killed in three days – “a likely underestimated toll.”
Prevention rather than submission The Humanitarian Coordinator urged the international community to do more to prevent atrocities. “Why doesn’t global outrage translate into action? What more is needed?” she questioned. Member States “must examine the war economy, the resources mobilized, and arms flows to find a real solution to this conflict,” along with enforcing the arms embargo in Darfur.
Also serving as Resident Coordinator, Ms. Brown clarified that UN agencies, international NGOs, and Sudanese organizations remain present throughout the country, doing their utmost to help populations survive. However, humanitarian action cannot replace a political solution to end the war. “We are present… but we are picking up the pieces: we are not the solution,” she affirmed.
Dilling under fire, civilians trapped Among the most concerning areas is Dilling in South Kordofan. Humanitarian convoys finally reached the city after years of difficulty, with a visit possible in March before the locality was again attacked. Today, convoys can no longer access the area, and civilians are trying to flee under daily bombardments. “There is no safe exit strategy,” she declared. The situation is also deteriorating in Blue Nile State, where nearly 30,000 people have been displaced by recent conflicts. However, a glimmer of hope remains as local communities organize to counter hate speech and support grassroots peace initiatives.
Funding shortfall In 2025, the humanitarian plan for Sudan was only 35% funded, and the $2.9 billion appeal for 2026 is only covered by 16%, regretted Ms. Brown. “A tent is still a tent – I have no magic wand – it won’t turn into six tents,” she underscored, illustrating the concrete impact of this deficit while expressing gratitude to donors. Despite donor mobilization, immense needs persist in what she describes as the “largest and most complex crisis.” Addressing journalists, the senior UN official finally pleaded: “Please, do not call this a forgotten crisis. I call it an abandoned crisis.”
