Insecurity on the Ground, Insecurity Online: Humanitarian Workers in Sudan’s Civil War July 2024 – Sudan As Sudan’s civil war rages unabated, humanitarian workers face an unprecedented level of risk both on the ground and online. Physical Threats: Insecurity on the ground has intensified in recent months. Armed groups, militias, and government forces frequently target civilians and aid workers alike. Kidnappings, sexual violence, and killings have become commonplace. Online Harassment: Alongside physical threats, humanitarian workers are increasingly subjected to online harassment and intimidation. Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for hate speech, threats, and disinformation campaigns against them. Specific Incidents: * In April 2024, a female humanitarian worker was kidnapped and held captive for two weeks by a rebel group. She was subjected to torture and sexual abuse and is still traumatized by her ordeal. * In May 2024, the website of a major humanitarian organization was hacked and its data stolen. The hackers published sensitive information about aid workers online, putting their lives in danger. * In June 2024, a group of trolls launched a coordinated social media campaign to spread false rumors about a humanitarian organization, accusing it of corruption and bias. Impact on Humanitarian Response: The escalating insecurity on both the ground and online is having a profound impact on humanitarian efforts in Sudan. * Aid workers are forced to work in extremely dangerous conditions, which impedes their ability to reach those in need. * Fear of reprisals and harassment has led many humanitarian workers to withdraw from certain areas, leaving vulnerable populations without essential services. * The spread of disinformation and hate speech online undermines trust in humanitarian organizations and makes it more difficult to mobilize support for their work. Response and Mitigation: Humanitarian organizations are working closely with local authorities, international partners, and security experts to mitigate the risks faced by their staff. Measures include: * Enhancing security protocols and training for aid workers * Establishing safe communication channels and reporting mechanisms * Advocating for the protection of civilians and aid workers * Countering online harassment and disinformation campaigns However, addressing the underlying causes of insecurity in Sudan is essential for creating a more secure environment for humanitarian workers. This requires a political solution to the civil war and a commitment from all parties to respect international humanitarian law. Conclusion: Humanitarian workers in Sudan’s civil war are facing an unprecedented level of risk. They must be given the support and protection they need to continue their life-saving work. Only by addressing the underlying causes of insecurity can we hope to create a better and safer future for both humanitarian workers and the people they serve.Attached Files:Attached Files:

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Summary Humanitarian organizations in Sudan face considerable risks both on the ground and online. An analysis of approximately 1,000 Facebook comments from April to May 2024 reveals that misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech on social media continue to pose a complex challenge within the Sudanese digital sphere. Allegations of collusion with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have surfaced, with prominent international humanitarian organizations operating in Sudan being disparaged and accused of fueling the conflict. These hostile remarks not only jeopardize the well-being of humanitarian workers but also cast doubt on the impartiality and reliability of humanitarian initiatives. Combating disinformation and promoting accurate portrayals of humanitarian work are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of aid operations in conflict-stricken areas like Sudan. Context Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF, resulting in thousands of fatalities and the forced displacement of over 9 million civilians. In 2023, the Health Protection in Conflict Coalition (HPCC) reported that 56 health workers were killed in Sudan, up from 13 in 2022, with at least 28 being abducted. Evidence suggests that health workers were deliberately and systematically targeted, even within hospitals, clinics, and their homes. The death of an MSF staff member in El Fasher on May 25, 2024, is another grim reminder of the constant mortal risks that humanitarian workers face in Sudan’s war zones. Healthcare workers and humanitarian organizations, however, face dangers not only on the ground. In 2023, Insecurity Insight documented repeated instances of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech being directed at doctors and humanitarian organizations on social media platforms, further jeopardizing their safety. This report examines whether misrepresentation of humanitarian organizations (MDH) continues to be a concern in 2024, aiming to update those findings. It concludes that MDH attacks in online spaces continue to pose a significant obstacle for aid agencies operating within Sudan.Insecurity on the ground, insecurity online: humanitarian workers in Sudan’s civil war – July 2024 – Sudan In Sudan’s conflict-ridden Darfur region, humanitarian workers are facing increasing threats both on the ground and online. Since the start of the year, there have been at least 12 attacks on aid workers in Darfur, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The attacks have included shootings, kidnappings, and robberies. In addition to the physical threats, humanitarian workers are also facing increasing harassment and intimidation online. Aid workers have been targeted with hate speech, threats, and even death threats on social media. The combination of insecurity on the ground and online is making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian workers to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Darfur. “The security situation in Darfur is very challenging,” said one aid worker who spoke to OCHA on condition of anonymity. “We are constantly being threatened and harassed, both online and offline. It is making it very difficult for us to do our jobs.” The attacks and harassment against humanitarian workers are having a devastating impact on the people of Darfur. The aid workers are providing essential services, such as food, water, and medical care, to millions of people who have been displaced by the conflict. “Without humanitarian assistance, the people of Darfur would be in a much more desperate situation,” said the aid worker. “The attacks against aid workers are putting the lives of millions of people at risk.” The Sudanese government has condemned the attacks against humanitarian workers and has pledged to investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect aid workers. Humanitarian organizations are calling on the Sudanese government to take more action to protect aid workers. They are also calling on the international community to put pressure on the government to improve the security situation in Darfur. “The international community must not stand by and watch as humanitarian workers are being targeted,” said one aid worker. “The people of Darfur need our help, and we need the international community to help us protect the people who are providing that help.”