**Sudan’s War Threatens an ‘Entire Generation’s’ Future, UN Warns**
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has now surpassed three years, poses a significant threat to the future of the country's youth, according to a recent statement from the United Nations. More than 8 million school-age children in Sudan remain out of school, a situation that has raised alarms among international officials about the long-term implications for an entire generation.
During an informal session of the UN Security Council focused on safeguarding education in Sudan, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the dire consequences of the conflict, which has entered its 1,210th day. She stated, “Among everything this war is taking, one of the most significant is the future of Sudan — depriving the education of its children.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern that the ongoing violence is not only disrupting education but also jeopardizing the prospects of an entire generation.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has had devastating effects on the country's educational infrastructure. According to the UN, nearly three-quarters of schools in the Darfur region have been damaged, destroyed, or rendered unusable due to the fighting. Mohammed reported that “five children in every six are out of school,” with many parents opting to keep their children at home for safety reasons rather than risk sending them to classrooms.
The impact of the war extends beyond physical damage to schools. Since 2024, the UN has documented over 67 attacks on educational institutions and more than 154 instances where schools have been used for military purposes. These figures, as noted by Mohammed, likely underrepresent the actual toll on education in the region.
Financial instability has compounded the crisis, with more than half of Sudan’s teachers going unpaid. Despite these challenges, many educators continue to work "against all odds" to provide some form of learning for children. However, the efforts remain insufficient compared to the overwhelming need.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with approximately 15 million people displaced and nearly 33 million in need of assistance, over half of whom are children. UNICEF has repeatedly warned about the adverse effects of the conflict on children, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support and educational resources.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who visited Sudan earlier this year, described the situation as a “human rights catastrophe unfolding in real time.” He reported harrowing accounts of mass killings and sexual violence, underscoring the severe human toll of the conflict.
As the war continues, the UN and its partners have managed to bring over a million Sudanese children back into some form of learning this year. However, this effort falls significantly short of what is necessary to address the educational crisis. Mohammed's remarks reflect a growing recognition that the effects of the conflict will resonate for years to come, potentially leading to a lost generation if immediate action is not taken to restore stability and access to education in Sudan.
The international community is urged to respond to this crisis, with a focus on protecting children and ensuring their right to education amid the ongoing turmoil. The future of Sudan's youth hangs in the balance, and the need for concerted efforts to safeguard their education and well-being has never been more critical.