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United Nations

Women and Girls in El Fasher Face Famine-Level Conditions and Grave Violations of International Law

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In North Darfur, women and girls in El Fasher have been enduring a relentless siege for over 500 days, facing starvation, indiscriminate bombardment, and grave violations of international law. The United Nations has recorded at least 125 civilian deaths, including summary executions, with the actual death toll likely higher. Since April 2023, over 600,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher and its surrounding camps. The city is experiencing famine-level conditions, with families surviving on animal feed and tree leaves. Women and girls are facing death by missiles, starvation, daily violations, and rape, with repeated attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women and girls in El Fasher have been under siege for over 500 days, facing starvation, bombardment, and grave violations of international law.
  • The United Nations has recorded at least 125 civilian deaths, including summary executions, with the actual death toll likely higher.
  • Over 600,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher and its surrounding camps since April 2023.
  • Famine-level conditions are present in the city, with families surviving on animal feed and tree leaves.
  • Pregnant women are giving birth into the hands of unskilled attendants with no access to emergency obstetric care.
  • Women in need of reproductive health services and survivors of rape have no access to medical services.
  • 1.79 million internally displaced people (IDPs) live in North Darfur state, with 8% of them being women and girls (54%).
  • Conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, has been systematically deployed as a weapon of war.
  • Starvation is being used as a method of warfare, deliberately inflicted on civilians in direct violation of international humanitarian law.
  • Women-led organizations are the backbone of community survival, despite scarce resources, and urgently need support to continue their work.
  • UN Women condemns all violations against women and girls and calls for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
  • This is in compliance with Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024), which demands an end to the siege of El Fasher and South Kordofan.

Statistics:

  • At least 125 civilian deaths, including summary executions, have been recorded in El Fasher by the United Nations since unknown (exact date not specified).
  • 1.79 million internally displaced people (IDPs) live in North Darfur state, representing 8% of the total IDPs in Sudan.
  • 54% of IDPs in North Darfur are women and girls.
  • Over 600,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher and its surrounding camps since April 2023.

Sources:

  • UN Women Sudan
  • United Nations
  • Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024)
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)
  • IPC (information not specified)
  • UN Women (2025)

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