Sudan’s children face climate and conflict challenges
Displacement, extreme heat, and conflict impacting millions of children in Sudan.
In 2024, global temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels, causing a severe heatwave that is affecting millions of children in Sudan, especially those in vulnerable circumstances. Sudan is now the world’s largest child displacement crisis with over 5 million people displaced. Many live in overcrowded and makeshift camps and settlement, facing inadequate shelter, sanitation, and healthcare services. Now, they face an additional threat of dangerously high temperatures, further endangering their lives.
Today, we follow Ali, a 10-year-old boy displaced, now living in Diem Korea gathering site in Port Sudan, as he endures the relentless heat.
At 6:30 a.m., the sun is already harshly beating down, with temperatures soaring to 34°C. Ali wakes up in his family tent, feeling the sunlight seeping through the thin fabric. Unfortunately, it has been another sleepless night.
"The night was unbearably hot, and even with a fan, the frequent power cuts are not helping much," Ali shares.
To start his day, Ali heads out to collect water to brush his teeth and wash his face, hoping the cool water will offer some comfort. Every day, a water truck refills the water tanks at the shelter, ensuring that water is available.
By 8 a.m., Ali arrives at the UNICEF child-friendly space (CFS). The extreme heat has forced the recently reopened schools to close again, affecting millions of children like Ali. His hopes for continuing his education are once more dashed, but the CFS provides unstructured learning and psychoscocial support.
"I wish the temperature would drop so I could go back to school," Ali says.
At 9 a.m., Ali spends most of his time with friends, engaging in activities like skipping rope and drawing. Even under the tent, the relentless heat is unavoidable.
The temperature now reaches 41°C. Containers of clean drinking water are placed in the tents to help the children stay hydrated and prevent heat strokes. This clean water is Ali’s only solace in the oppressive heat.
By 11 a.m., after a few hours of play and learning, the blistering sun overwhelms Ali. Seeking shade, he sits under a roof, using plastic box lid to fan himself in a futile attempt to cool down.
Like many other children at the gathering site, Ali has developed heat rashes and often experiences headaches due to the extreme temperatures. "When I get a headache, I lie down to rest and try to cool off," Ali says, showing remarkable resilience amid hardships. Ali's greatest wish is to return to his home.
Millions of children like Ali in Sudan continue to struggle with the harsh realities of extreme heat compounded by ongoing war. Displacement, severe weather conditions, and limited access to water are taking a significant toll on these children. Every child deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment.