Humanitarian agencies are urging the global community to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war in Sudan, which entered its fourth year on Wednesday, warning continued violence risks worsening one of the world's largest displacement crises.

Mamadou Dian Balde, regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said around 14 million people have been displaced since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

Of these, 9 million remain internally displaced in Sudan, while 4.5 million have fled to neighboring countries, including Egypt.

"Refugees have two main messages for the world," Balde said. "First, they are calling for the war to end. ... Second, while those efforts continue, the international community must help alleviate their suffering."

The war has upended the lives of millions, including students, professionals and business owners who were forced to flee their homes with little warning, he said.

Without stronger international engagement, the crisis could destabilize the region, he said, adding that continued fighting may also push more displaced people to seek safety beyond Africa, including in Europe and the Gulf.

The NGO Plan International warned in a statement on Wednesday that an estimated 12 million people — almost one-fourth of Sudan's population — are at risk of gender-based violence, including rape and sexual assault.

It said repeated attacks on health facilities have severely reduced the capacity of medical staff to treat survivors at a time when such crimes are occurring on a wide scale. As a result, many survivors are left without access to emergency healthcare, psychosocial support or legal protection.

It also reported that more than 14 million children, mostly girls, are unable to attend school as education systems collapse.

"This conflict has devastated Sudan," said Mohamed Kamal, the NGO's country director. "Young people are missing out on an education, hospitals are in ruins and communities are being torn apart. The long-term consequences will be felt for generations if we do not act now."

More than 30 million people are estimated to require urgent humanitarian assistance, but the international response remains significantly underfunded, Kamal said.

"Without financial backing, lives — and the futures of girls and young women across Sudan — will be lost," he said.

Funding gap

In February, humanitarian agencies launched a regional refugee response plan covering seven countries and seeking $1.6 billion to assist Sudanese refugees. The funding is intended to support food assistance, shelter, clean water and education for displaced communities.

However, Balde said the appeal is currently only about 10 percent funded, far below what aid organizations say is needed to address the scale of the crisis.

The International Rescue Committee warned that Sudan's catastrophic civil war has had a devastating impact on civilians.

More than 150,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, the organization said, adding the country accounts for 10 percent of global humanitarian needs.

Meanwhile, UNICEF said the conflict continues to have a devastating impact on children.

"For three years, children across Sudan have been killed, injured and displaced at staggering levels," said Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director. "Their homes, schools and hospitals continue to come under attack. There is no justification for violence against children. It reflects a collective failure by parties to the conflict to protect the most basic rights of children."