OCHA Condemns Detention of Humanitarian Workers in Sudan, Demands Immediate and Unconditional Release

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has condemned the detention of humanitarian workers by non-state armed groups in Sudan, describing the practice as unacceptable and a violation of international law.In a strong statement issued today, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Denise Brown, said that more and more relief workers are being detained without explanation or respect for their rights.”The detention of humanitarian workers by non-state armed groups in Sudan is unacceptable,” Brown said.She warned that these detentions put humanitarian personnel at serious risk and disrupt life-saving operations at a time when millions of people across Sudan urgently need assistance.OCHA called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian workers.The statement stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, protect humanitarian workers, supplies and equipment, and allow humanitarian organizations to operate safely, independently and impartially.The condemnation comes amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, the country has become the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions forced to flee their homes and more than half the population facing acute food insecurity.Humanitarian operations, already hampered by insecurity, bureaucratic impediments and funding shortfalls, are now further threatened by the targeting of aid workers.Brown emphasized that humanitarian workers are not a target and must never be detained for carrying out their duties. She noted that obstructing aid delivery only deepens the suffering of civilians trapped in conflict zones who depend on aid for food, medicine and shelter.OCHA reiterated its call on all armed actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need across Sudan.