UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed serious concern over the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, warning of worsening humanitarian suffering and expanding forced displacement.
In a press briefing in New York on 22 December 2025, Dujarric highlighted a sharp rise in displaced populations, particularly in South Kordofan, with hundreds of families fleeing to safer areas. He noted that over 107,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher and its surroundings since late October, often in repeated waves.
The UN spokesperson also pointed to a severe deterioration in healthcare, reporting 65 attacks on medical facilities in 2025, resulting in more than 1,600 deaths—constituting a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. He called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and protection for medical facilities and personnel.
Responding to a question on Sudan being labeled the “most neglected crisis in the world in 2025” by relief organizations, Dujarric said the neglect is not due to the UN or humanitarian agencies, stating:
“We try daily to keep Sudan in the headlines. Why is it neglected? If the Secretary-General were here, he might say there is an element of bias, as Africa does not receive the same media attention as crises elsewhere in the world.”
He added that the Secretary-General is “extremely frustrated” by the lack of political progress and ongoing suffering, urging all parties—the Sudanese government, RSF forces, and regional and international actors—to prioritize the welfare of the Sudanese people and work seriously to halt the violence.
Media coverage of these statements varied, with some outlets highlighting “international bias,” while the original statement focused on the global media’s limited attention and possible discriminatory coverage of African crises.
The Sudan crisis remains the world’s largest humanitarian disaster, with over 12 million displaced and humanitarian funding falling short of the increasing needs.
