OCHA: Since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, at least 435 children have been killed and 500 others have died due to hunger.

September 19, 2023 (PEN) – Violent clashes in Khartoum over the past weekend have resulted in civilian casualties, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

"Our humanitarian partners tell us that renewed clashes in South Darfur have led to the displacement of many people in the city of Nyala," the UN office said.

More than 5.1 million people have fled their homes since mid-April, including 4.1 million inside Sudan and more than a million forced to seek refuge outside the country.

According to OCHA partners, since the beginning of the current conflict, at least 435 children have been killed and 500 have died of starvation, although the real toll is likely to be much higher.

OCHA also warned of continued heavy rainfall and flooding across the country. Since July, more than 80,000 people have been affected and some 12,000 homes damaged.

OCHA humanitarian partners have stepped up their efforts and continue to help those who need it most, despite funding shortfalls, with at least 3.5 million people receiving aid since April, according to the office.

On Wednesday, there will be an event on the sidelines of the General Assembly to mobilize resources and show support for the people of Sudan, the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs said, adding that Sudan's $2.6 billion Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks to help 18 million people, has been funded, just over a quarter of it.