Displaced Sudanese families are moving through villages destroyed by attackers, carrying what little they have left, while conflict in the region continues to escalate. But for Americans, and especially for teens who get their news from social media, there is little coverage of this situation.
Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis. Years of civil war, political instability, and repeated cycles of violence have left millions of people displaced and struggling to survive. “The brutal civil war between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces … is now stretching into its third year,” the New York Times reported.
American teens may not grasp the gravity of the situation or the daily realities faced by Sudanese youth their own age. In addition to limited social media coverage, many outside journalists are barred from entering the country, leaving much of the crisis unreported and unknown.
Even UN officials emphasize how overlooked the crisis is. The UN relief chief recently said that it’s “very, very difficult to get attention” for Sudan, despite the scale of suffering caused by violence.
The conflict prevents civilians from accessing essential services, schools, and medical care – the basics needed for any person trying to get through day-to-day life and survive this civil war.
Residents of communities have been told to flee repeatedly, abandoning everything they have known throughout their lives, resulting in families lacking secure residences. Humanitarian groups strive to offer assistance, but persistent conflict and limited access frequently block their efforts.
What is happening in Sudan is a humanitarian catastrophe, as this New Yorker article says, yet the world’s eyes are largely elsewhere. Without international attention, the suffering of millions will continue to go unseen.
The whole world must act. Governments and UN agencies must ensure safe access for aid workers and displaced families, and news outlets should push out their news to younger generations to make sure the people of Sudan’s story is heard. Teens should research this situation and spread the word via social media.
The people of South Sudan deserve to be seen. Their struggle cannot remain invisible.
