Darfur in Crisis: UN Warns of Humanitarian Calamity Amid Intercommunal Violence

The UN humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has warned of a humanitarian calamity and called for warring parties to allow safe passage for those who want to flee and unhindered humanitarian aid delivery for the 9 million people in the area who need it.

Griffiths described a dire situation in Darfur, including babies dying in hospitals, children and mothers suffering from severe malnutrition, and families eating leaves to survive.

Hospitals, water facilities, and humanitarian warehouses have been attacked, and aid workers have been killed.

The situation has driven 2.2 million people from their homes, including 528,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.

The crisis has also led to a spike in reports of gender-based violence.

Griffiths urged the world to take action to prevent further atrocities.