Geneva – Sudan Now | 18 December 2025
The World Health Organization expressed deep concern over reports that more than 70 health workers and around five thousand civilians have been forcibly detained in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
The organization stated that the detainees are living in poor and overcrowded conditions, which significantly increases the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly given the limited health services and shortage of medical supplies.
In this context, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, calling on all parties to fulfill their legal obligations.
Haq underscored that facilitating the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid is vital to saving lives, urging increased international support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches all parts of Sudan
He pointed out that the continued restrictions on humanitarian operations exacerbate the suffering of civilians and threaten the collapse of the health situation across large areas of the country.
South Darfur state, particularly the city of Nyala, has witnessed a severe deterioration in security and humanitarian conditions since the escalation of fighting, amid repeated reports of violations against civilians and restrictions on the movement of residents
The World Health Organization’s warnings come at a time when Sudan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people displaced, widespread malnutrition, and increasing risks of disease outbreaks, amid significant challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in reaching those affected due to insecurity and lack of funding.
