NEW YORK, Feb 19 (KUNA) -- The United Nations ranged alarm bells on Wednesday about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, warning that over 638,000 people suffer from catastrophic hunger conditions.
"The Famine Review Committee of the IPC - Integrated Food Security Phase Classification - has confirmed that there is reasonable evidence of famine conditions in at least five areas of Sudan: Zamzam, Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps in North Darfur and two locations in the Western Nuba Mountains - affecting both residents and internally displaced persons," Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing.
"There are reports of people dying of starvation in some areas like Darfur, Kordofan and Khartoum. Currently, around 638,000 people are confirmed to be in catastrophic hunger conditions (IPC5)." He added that a record 4.7 million children under the age of five and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls are suffering from acute malnutrition.
"People in Zamzam camp, for example, are resorting to extreme measures to survive because food is so scarce. Families eat peanut shells mixed with oil which is typically used to feed animals," he regretted.
"The UN calls on all parties to silence the guns and put the interest of the people first and foremost. There is an urgent need to expand access and open new corridors - both cross-border and across conflict frontlines - to provide assistance and save people from dying of starvation." (end) ast.ibi