3/26/2024 12:35:05 PM
The Preparatory Committee for the Conference on Humanitarian Issues in Darfur Region from March 25th to 27th, 2024, in Nyala City, Kalma Camp.
Firstly, we extend our congratulations to the Sudanese people, citizens in displacement camps, refugees, diaspora communities, and especially the women of Darfur, on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. We also offer our prayers for the souls of the martyrs, speedy recovery for the wounded, and a safe return for the missing.
As Women of Darfur and Women Against Injustice and allied organizations, we are pleased to participate in the preparatory meeting for the Conference on Humanitarian Issues in the Darfur region scheduled in May 2024.
We appreciate the efforts exerted by the members of the preparatory committee inside and outside Sudan and their commendable endeavors to ensure the success of the conference.
We also extend our greetings and respect to Sheikh Abdullah Fouri, the Head of the General Coordination of Refugee Camps, and we also welcome the honorable attendees within Kalma Camp.
The humanitarian situation is one of the most pressing issues concerning the citizens of Darfur in general, and the women of Darfur in particular. They currently endure the dual burden of war and famine. Since February 5th,2024 we, Women Against Injustice, have launched "Against Starvation" campaign”joined by approximately 66 women's organizations from within and outside Sudan. This campaign serves as an international call for aid to those affected by war and conflict since April 15, 2023. As part of the campaign, we conducted a seminar in collaboration with the Preparatory Committee for the Conference on Humanitarian Issues in Darfur and also with the initiative of the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council to open safe corridors for humanitarian aid delivery.
Now, we are participating in the preparations for the Conference on Humanitarian Issues to alleviate the shocking humanitarian conditions resulting from the senseless war, where the specter of death haunts citizens everywhere, and hunger and disease ravage the regions of Darfur.
We, the women of Darfur, Women Against Injustice, and allied organizations, affirm that women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are living in catastrophic humanitarian conditions within displacement camps and shelter centers. Some others reside in residential neighborhoods, with over 5,000 displaced individuals now facing the threat of famine.
Darfurian women have endured the horrors of war and conflict since 2003, bearing a heavy toll as complete human tragedies. Most women, children, and elderly individuals are living in harsh conditions, with over 4 to 5 million threatened by famine and malnutrition.
Several factors contribute to this situation, including:
- Agricultural season deterioration, which has prevented most farmers, especially women who rely on agriculture by 60%, from planting crops due to the impact of the war and minimal rainfall.
- Price increases of basic commodities in markets, along with rising transportation costs from neighboring countries.
- Civil service employees not receiving payment due to the war, with 20% of working women not receiving their meager salaries for six months, resulting in indebtedness to the government.
- Delay in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Darfur states falling under the control of the Rapid Support Forces for a year.
It's also worth mentioning that there are cases of deaths, including women, children, and elderly individuals, within the camps due to malnutrition.
Moreover, the majority of Darfurian women typically engage in simple economic activities such as gathering firewood and grass. However, these income-generating activities have been disrupted due to the pervasive fear of violence and intimidation. Some women were involved in brick-making, but this activity has also come to a halt. The ongoing war has made it undesirable, resulting in the cessation of construction projects and a subsequent lack of income. Consequently, women are now roaming residential areas in search of employment opportunities, often returning empty-handed as households in these areas are self-sufficient under these circumstances.
With most men unemployed, women have become the backbone in supporting their families through informal market activities and product sales. However, they are encountering challenges in selling their goods due to reduced demand. In camps and neighborhoods, women are turning to locusts as an alternative food source to alleviate hunger.
Regarding health conditions, pregnant women suffer from severe food and medicine shortages and lack primary healthcare and follow-up, leading to increased mortality rates among newborns.
The situation worsens due to the lack of healthcare services, closure of maternal health centers, and the suspension of child vaccinations.
All these conditions have made women, children, and the elderly vulnerable to death due to acute hunger, according to the report of the World Food Programme.
Therefore, we appeal to international and regional organizations and humanitarian workers to expedite and prioritize the delivery and monitoring of humanitarian aid to those in need. We also urge conflict parties to open safe corridors for aid delivery during the month of Ramadan.
In conclusion, we would like to commend the achievements of the members of the United Nations Security Council in issuing Resolution 2724, which calls for the cessation of hostilities and the alleviation of the suffering experienced by the Sudanese people.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Representative of Women of Darfur and Women Against Injustice
March 25, 2024