Spotlight Report on the Voluntary National Review of Sudan

Executive Summary

The report concludes that the continuation of the war since April 2023 has led to a sharp and compounded decline in health indicators, a widespread deterioration in the situation of women and girls, and a fundamental disruption of partnerships, financing, and capacity-building efforts.

Regarding Goal 3, available data indicate a significant collapse in health services due to the destruction of facilities, the emigration of health personnel, the spread of epidemics and malnutrition, and the disruption of immunization programs. Access constraints and shifting territorial control have further complicated service delivery, weakened data collection systems, and limited effective responses.

The report proposes a set of practical recommendations, the most important of which are: a ceasefire as a prerequisite for any development recovery; expanding support for national organizations; rebuilding data and early warning systems; ensuring a comprehensive response to sexual violence; integrating women into peacebuilding and negotiation processes; and resuming development partnerships based on the principles of accountability and transparency. It also notes the continued underrepresentation of women in peace processes and decision-making, as well as the worsening challenges faced by women in situations of displacement and refuge.

As for Goal 17, Sudan has witnessed a near-complete collapse in the pillars of financing, trade capacity building, and systemic cooperation. Most partnerships have shifted from sustainable development cooperation to emergency relief and humanitarian assistance.

The report also compares elements of the government report submitted to the United Nations within the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process. It identifies several shortcomings, including the failure to adequately address the impact of political and military divisions on service delivery, limited availability of reliable data, insufficient emphasis on the role of civil society, and the disregard of the broader political context that has hindered international cooperation.