As global attention shifts toward the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the plight of individuals with disabilities has emerged as a pivotal aspect of the ongoing tragedy. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, has not only displaced millions but has also exacerbated challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Yet, amidst the hardships, resilience and determination remain among those impacted, as they navigate their everyday lives under increasingly dire circumstances.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has spiraled to “catastrophic levels” for civilians, with individuals living with disabilities facing particularly severe challenges three years since the onset of the conflict, according to the international non-governmental organization Humanity & Inclusion. The war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has triggered one of the most alarming man-made humanitarian crises in recent history, characterized by widespread violence and displacement.
Humanity & Inclusion has warned that the conditions for vulnerable populations continue to deteriorate amid ongoing violence, the collapse of essential services, and the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance. The organization emphasized that an estimated 11.6 million people have been displaced due to the hostilities, while over 33 million Sudanese are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Notably, by early 2026, more than three million individuals were reported to have returned home, including 700,000 from abroad, primarily to areas where violence has lessened, such as Khartoum, Blue Nile, and Gezira.
Approximately 4.6 million Sudanese, or about 16 percent of the population, are reported to live with disabilities. Humanity & Inclusion noted that this number is likely underestimated in conflict-affected regions due to injuries, psychological trauma, and chronic health issues exacerbated by the war. People with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable, often left behind in the chaos of conflict, exposed to higher risks of violence, discrimination, and exclusion.
Additionally, the organization highlighted the perilous presence of explosive remnants of war as a “new and deadly danger” for millions of displaced individuals returning home. These remnants, including antipersonnel mines, contaminate areas of return, posing significant threats to civilians in homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and on roads. The ongoing hazards severely restrict access to essential services and livelihoods, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive support and solutions for those most affected.
As the conflict rages on, the resilience of Sudan’s disabled population becomes increasingly critical in the collective effort to rebuild lives and communities.
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