Trapped and Targeted: Humanity & Inclusion Decries Violence Against Civilians in Sudan

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) urgently calls for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers amid the escalating conflict in Sudan, particularly in Al-Fasher, North Darfur. The organization warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement, destruction of health facilities, and severe risks to people with disabilities, women, and children. HI emphasizes the need for immediate humanitarian access, physical rehabilitation, and inclusive protection measures to uphold international humanitarian law and safeguard the most vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing 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 older people, 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 severe restricted access to essential services and basic needs such as food, fuel, and water. 

Vincent Dalonneau, HI Country Director for Sudan, says, “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. He continues, “There is an immense need for physical rehabilitation, protection, and mental health care to deal with trauma. Humanitarian aid must be delivered without hindrance to the population in need.”

HI acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence against people 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 Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines and Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. We also call upon all engaged partners to integrate disability-inclusive practices into their programming. 

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) strongly condemns the grave violations of international humanitarian law and reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions to protect people not taking part in hostilities. We, therefore, call on all parties to: 

• Take all feasible measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures 

• Allow for a 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 all attacks on humanitarian personnel and ensure, through credible guarantees and monitoring mechanisms, that humanitarian workers are not subjected to arrest or detention for carrying out their humanitarian duties.

Spokespersons are available upon media request.