UNHCR said aid shipments that once moved from Dubai through the Strait of Hormuz are now being rerouted from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 25 days in delivery time.

Transport costs for relief shipments from Dubai to Sudan and neighboring Chad have risen from $927,000 to $1.87 million, according to UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Wolf.

The agency said congestion at Gulf ports, higher fuel prices, rising insurance premiums and truck shortages are worsening the crisis, particularly across Africa.

UNHCR warned that the added costs come as its $8.5 billion global funding appeal remains only 23% funded, limiting support for millions of refugees and displaced people.

The UNICEF Executive Board concluded its first regular session of 2026 with a warning that decades of progress in child survival could be reversed as funding constraints, conflict and systemic pressures weaken global health systems, according to statements delivered during the meeting.

The two-and-a-half day session reviewed a range of institutional priorities, including implementation of the United Nations’ UN80 reform initiative, UNICEF’s global evaluation plan for 2026–2029, and updates on the work of national committees engaged in fundraising and youth outreach. Financial oversight, programme delivery and governance issues were also examined as part of the Board’s agenda.

A central focus of the session was child health, highlighted during discussions on eight newly approved country programme documents covering Argentina, Cuba, Georgia, Malaysia, Mexico, Somalia, South Africa and Sudan. Board members and senior officials framed investment in primary healthcare as critical not only to survival outcomes but to broader human development and social stability.

Opening the session, Rein Tammsaar, President of the Board and Estonia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized inclusive governance as a priority for 2026. He also pointed to the potential role of artificial intelligence in expanding access to and improving the quality of education.

Tammsaar acknowledged UNICEF personnel working in high-risk environments, stating that their operational commitment underpins the organization’s credibility.In her introductory remarks, Catherine Russell cautioned that progress in reducing child mortality could stall for the first time in three decades.

She identified child and maternal health as core priorities and cited the establishment of a global Centre of Excellence in Nairobi aimed at strengthening technical capacity in health, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene services.Senior officials presented evidence of significant global gains, including a reduction in annual under-five deaths to below 5 million and an estimated 4.2 million child deaths prevented annually through immunization.

Maternal mortality has declined by roughly one third since 2000. However, speakers stressed that these achievements remain fragile.Douglas Noble, Associate Director of Health, said abrupt reductions in development funding are disrupting essential services and exposing structural weaknesses in health systems. He added that misinformation is undermining vaccine confidence, while conflict, climate-related shocks and economic instability are increasing displacement and limiting access to care.

Noble stated that survival alone is no longer an adequate benchmark for child development, arguing for integrated approaches that include mental health, psychosocial support and adolescent well-being alongside physical health services. He urged governments to prioritize primary healthcare in national budgets, protect health spending during fiscal pressures and invest in community-level health workers.

Panel discussions reflected concerns that setbacks are not confined to low-income countries. Participants noted declining vaccination rates in Argentina and signs of reversal in child survival indicators in South Africa. Rising mental health challenges among adolescents, including increased suicidal behaviour in Malaysia, were also highlighted.

Speakers from governments, international organizations, academia and civil society reiterated that access to healthcare should not be treated as a privilege. They stressed the need for age-appropriate services that address both communicable and noncommunicable conditions, supported by integrated systems spanning health, education and social protection.

Testimony from field representatives underscored the impact of conflict on health infrastructure. Ayoub Ibrahim Arabi Mohammed described conditions in Sudan, where ongoing violence has displaced populations and disrupted medical services. He reported shortages of fuel, medicine and basic supplies in hospitals, while some clinics have ceased operations entirely, leaving families without access to care.

He emphasized the role of frontline health workers as critical to sustaining services in conflict settings and called for their protection. He also warned that children are dying due to the inability of healthcare systems to function effectively under prolonged instability.Across discussions, a consistent theme emerged that sustaining progress in child survival requires resilient primary healthcare systems capable of withstanding external shocks.

UNICEF outlined key policy areas for governments, including strengthening primary care, restoring trust in immunization programmes, addressing underlying determinants such as malnutrition and sanitation, and integrating mental health and noncommunicable disease responses into health strategies.

Mental health featured prominently in the session, with officials noting that one in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 is living with a mental health condition. Data presented indicated that one in four children has a caregiver experiencing mental health challenges, highlighting broader social implications.

Officials also cited global estimates suggesting that a young person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, underscoring the scale of the issue.Meylan Alejandra Ramos Espejel, speaking on behalf of young people, linked mental health challenges to wider global pressures including migration, conflict and climate-related disruptions.

She called for greater inclusion of youth perspectives in policymaking and emphasized the need for tangible support mechanisms.Noncommunicable diseases were identified as another growing concern, affecting more than 2 billion individuals under the age of 20 through direct conditions or exposure to risk factors.

Officials noted that these diseases disproportionately affect children in lower-income settings, challenging the perception that they are confined to wealthier populations.The Board also reviewed progress on international policy commitments.

A political declaration adopted by heads of state in September 2025 on noncommunicable diseases and mental health was cited as a milestone, with references to children and youth included multiple times, reflecting increased global attention to these issues.Despite broad agreement on key priorities, the Board did not reach consensus on all agenda items, with some decisions requiring formal votes.

By the end of the session, seven decisions were adopted, covering areas including governance, financial oversight, evaluation frameworks and fundraising strategies.The Board approved eight country programmes and extended a subregional programme for the Gulf Area.

These programmes are intended to guide interventions across sectors including health, education, nutrition and child protection, reflecting an integrated approach to humanitarian and development challenges.In closing remarks, Russell said the approved programmes provide operational frameworks for delivering measurable outcomes, while acknowledging the absence of consensus on certain items.

Tammsaar expressed concern over divisions within the Board, stating that consensus-based decisions strengthen institutional unity and effectiveness.The next annual session of the Executive Board is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19, 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he urged the international community to act decisively and responsibly to stop the flow of weapons and external involvement that fuel instability in the war-torn nation.

Guterres highlighted that the Sudanese people have endured immense suffering due to the prolonged violence, which has displaced millions and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

He stressed that the priority must now be on promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and humanitarian access rather than escalating military confrontations.

According to him, true peace can only be achieved when Sudan’s future is determined by its own people, free from external pressure or manipulation.

The Secretary-General called on all nations to honor international law and refrain from actions that could worsen the conflict.

He emphasized the need for unity among global and regional powers to promote peace initiatives that respect Sudan’s sovereignty and ensure the protection of civilians.

Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support negotiations and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the fighting.

In his remarks, Guterres also noted that regional cooperation, particularly through organizations like the African Union and neighboring states, is vital to achieving stability.

He urged countries supplying arms to the conflicting parties to halt such activities immediately, warning that continued interference only deepens divisions and prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians.

He expressed appreciation for ongoing diplomatic efforts by African and Middle Eastern nations aimed at facilitating dialogue between the warring sides.

However, he cautioned that these efforts would remain fragile without a unified international stance against external interference and illicit arms transfers.

The Secretary-General reiterated that peace in Sudan is not only crucial for the Sudanese people but also for the broader stability of the African continent.

The conflict’s spillover effects, including refugee flows and border tensions, have affected several neighboring countries, making the need for resolution more urgent than ever.

Guterres reaffirmed that the UN will continue to coordinate with humanitarian agencies and local partners to deliver aid to those in need.

He called on the global community to increase funding and logistical support for relief operations, ensuring that displaced families receive food, shelter, and medical assistance.

His message at the ASEAN Summit resonated as a reminder that global peace and regional cooperation are interconnected.

The Secretary-General emphasized that crises such as Sudan’s cannot be resolved through military means but through collective action, compassion, and diplomacy.

He called on the international community to unite in preventing the further deterioration of the situation and to support efforts that prioritize the dignity and future of the Sudanese people.

By urging restraint, accountability, and cooperation, Guterres once again placed the focus on humanity and justice at the heart of international diplomacy.

His appeal reinforces the UN’s ongoing mission—to stand for peace, safeguard human rights, and help nations rebuild their futures through dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility.

For decades, Sudan was a playground for the Brotherhood, which infiltrated its political institutions, distorted its religious discourse, and destabilized its society.

As the world’s media remains transfixed by the tragedy in Gaza, another humanitarian disaster is unfolding with even greater severity — yet receives a fraction of the attention. Sudan, once Africa’s third largest country by territory, is enduring what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced, famine looms on the horizon, and civilians are caught in the crossfire between rival generals.

As of mid-2025, approximately 30.4 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance. This is more than half of the country’s population. But unlike Gaza, Sudan’s devastation has not dominated international headlines. It is as if the international community has quietly decided that the suffering of millions of Sudanese is a secondary concern.

In this bleak environment, the recent Quartet statement — jointly issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United States — stands out as a moment of rare clarity. It is not merely another diplomatic communiqué; it is a roadmap designed to end a war that has already claimed untold lives.

More importantly, it highlights the indispensable role of Arab leadership, particularly the vision of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in offering Sudan a chance for peace.

The UAE’s Pivotal Role

The UAE has emerged as the beating heart of this Quartet initiative. Far from being a passive participant, Abu Dhabi has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, leveraging its diplomatic networks and credibility to move warring parties toward dialogue.

According to Gulf News, the Quartet’s statement “affirmed the pivotal role played by the UAE in supporting international efforts to end the war in Sudan, by pushing the warring parties toward a humanitarian truce and paving the way for a comprehensive political process.”

This is not new terrain for the UAE. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Emirates has consistently invested in peace diplomacy — from supporting the Abraham Accords that transformed Arab–Israeli relations to mediating in Ethiopia and Afghanistan.

Sudan represents the next critical frontier in this foreign policy of responsible stabilisation. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, described the Quartet statement as “historic” and praised it as a “clear narrative” for the way forward.

The UAE’s message is unambiguous: Sudan cannot be abandoned to militias, extremists, or geopolitical neglect. Instead, it must be guided toward a responsible, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of its people. For Sudanese citizens who have endured cycles of dictatorship and war, this vision represents a lifeline.

Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia’s Steady Hand

Alongside the UAE, Saudi Arabia has played an equally vital role. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has made regional stability the cornerstone of his leadership. From mediating between Ethiopia and Eritrea to hosting Yemeni peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has proven that its influence can change the trajectory of conflicts.

In Sudan, Riyadh’s role has been critical. Working in tandem with Abu Dhabi, Saudi diplomacy has ensured that the Sudan crisis remains high on the agenda of international forums. It was in Jeddah, under Saudi–U.S. auspices, that earlier ceasefire efforts were launched. Now, through the Quartet, Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its commitment to Sudan’s unity, stability, and civilian governance.

For the international community, the message is clear: the path to peace in Sudan does not run through faraway capitals, but through Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, where Arab leaders have both the political will and regional credibility to deliver.

A Roadmap Toward a Political Solution

The Quartet statement is remarkable in its precision. It does not indulge in vague promises, but instead lays down a concrete timetable:

The Quartet’s plan begins with a three-month humanitarian truce to halt the fighting and allow aid to reach those in need. This is to be followed by a transition into a permanent ceasefire between the rival factions, paving the way for a nine-month process that would ultimately establish a responsible, civilian-led government.

As Reuters reported, the Quartet made it plain that “there is no viable military solution” to the Sudanese crisis. Military victory, even if attainable, would only deepen fractures and prolong instability. The only acceptable outcome is a political settlement that allows the Sudanese people to reclaim ownership of their state.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. For too long, Sudan’s fate has been determined by generals in uniform or ideologues in mosques. The Quartet’s plan aims to shift the center of gravity back to civilians — students, professionals, women, and workers who make up the fabric of Sudanese society.

Drawing the Line Against the Muslim Brotherhood

One of the most significant aspects of the Quartet statement is its explicit rejection of the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan al-Muslimeen) and allied extremist groups. The statement warns that Sudan’s future “cannot be dictated by violent extremist groups affiliated with, or evidently linked to, the Muslim Brotherhood.”

This clarity is long overdue. For decades, Sudan was a playground for the Brotherhood, which infiltrated its political institutions, distorted its religious discourse, and destabilized its society. It was under their shadow that Sudan gave refuge to figures like Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, and it was their networks that facilitated regional radicalization.

The Sudanese people themselves have paid the heaviest price for this ideological experiment. From the suppression of dissent to the fostering of militias, the Brotherhood’s presence has left scars that continue to bleed. The Quartet’s insistence that Sudan’s political future must exclude extremist forces of Muslim Brotherhood aligns with the aspirations of the majority of Sudanese citizens who want a normal state, not an ideological battleground.

The Humanitarian Imperative

Beyond the politics, the humanitarian emergency in Sudan is staggering. As the Quartet statement recalled, the conflict has unleashed “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” Millions are displaced, hospitals have collapsed, and food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels.

Here, again, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have taken the lead. Both countries have poured millions into humanitarian aid, funded relief operations, and pressed for unimpeded access to civilians in need. The Quartet’s demand for a three-month humanitarian truce is not only a political necessity but also a moral imperative.

It is worth remembering that both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have proven track records in this field. The UAE’s humanitarian diplomacy has extended from Yemen to Pakistan, while Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) is one of the largest providers of aid in the Arab world. Their combined leadership ensures that Sudanese civilians are not forgotten.

Why Sudan Must Not Be Ignored

And yet, despite all this, one cannot escape a painful introspection: why has Sudan’s catastrophe failed to mobilize the international community with the same intensity as Gaza?

Is Sudan’s suffering somehow less urgent? Are Sudanese lives less valuable? The silence is deafening. Western media that devote hours of coverage to Middle Eastern conflicts have barely spared headlines for the displacement of millions in Sudan. International forums that debate Gaza endlessly often pass over Sudan in perfunctory statements.

This neglect is dangerous. Left unchecked, Sudan risks becoming a failed state in the heart of Africa, exporting instability to its neighbors, empowering extremist groups, and creating refugee flows that will reach Europe and beyond. The world must wake up before it is too late.

A Call to Action

The Quartet statement offers a lifeline to Sudan at a time when despair dominates. It reflects the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who understand that regional peace is indivisible and that Sudan’s collapse would reverberate across Africa and the Arab world.

But the responsibility does not rest on Arab shoulders alone. The international community must match the courage of Abu Dhabi and Riyadh by investing political capital, humanitarian resources, and diplomatic energy into Sudan’s recovery.

As the world debates Gaza, it must not avert its gaze from Khartoum, Darfur, and Port Sudan. For the sake of millions of Sudanese civilians — and for the stability of the wider region — Sudan must not remain the forgotten war.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.