Sudan: New displacement camp sees high numbers of unaccompanied children and women

PORT SUDAN (February 3, 2026) —More than 22,600 people — nearly two-thirds of them children — have been newly displaced by escalating violence in Darfur, seeking safety in remote areas of South Darfur. Christian humanitarian organization World Vision warns that the exceptionally high number of children separated from their families signals a rapidly worsening crisis.

Tens of thousands fled El Fasher, the epicenter of recent violence in North Darfur, prompting mass movements of civilians into the mountains of Jabel Marra in South Darfur. Local authorities reported that nearly 90 percent of households who now live in Fina Dar Omo camp for displaced people originate from El Fasher and nearby areas, including Zamzam and Shangel.

World Vision teams documented nearly 200 unaccompanied and separated children who arrived without a parent or caregiver after being separated from their families while fleeing conflict. Many traveled on foot through active fighting, facing threats such as intimidation, exploitation, looting, and exposure to gender-based violence.

“The number of unaccompanied children arriving from El Fasher is deeply alarming,” said Simon Mane, World Vision’s national director in Sudan.  “These children fled violence alone, and now they face hunger, illness, and exploitation. They have escaped the crossfire for now, but without urgent intervention for food, water, and protection, they remain in danger. Without urgent action, their lives and futures are at serious risk.”

One caregiver described sheltering a 13-year-old boy who became separated from his family at Zamzam Camp and remained alone during the long, dangerous journey toward East Jabel Marra.

Children arriving from El Fasher are now living in overcrowded, makeshift shelters, often sharing space with multiple families, which makes women and unaccompanied girls and boys especially vulnerable.

Only one out of eight local primary health units are operational.  The region reported more than 1,100 measles cases in 2025, with child deaths highlighting their vulnerability, especially among those unvaccinated and already weakened by displacement.

World Vision is urgently appealing for coordinated humanitarian support to provide:

• Safe drinking water and emergency sanitation
• Food assistance and cash support
• Emergency shelter and winterization kits
• Expanded child protection services, including family tracing and reunification
• Health and nutrition services for malnourished and sick children

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.