3.1.3. Poverty

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicated that before the conflict, two-thirds of Sudan's population were already living in extreme poverty.558 In 2022, Sudan ranked 170 out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index, which is considered 'low human development'.559

The UN FFM indicated that the RSF and its allied militias have 'engaged in a pattern of destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population' as well as the 'economic, social and cultural rights of the civilian population, in particular their rights to physical and mental health and to food, water and housing'.560 For more information on food insecurity, access to housing and water, see sections 3.1.4 Food security, 3.1.5 Housing, water, and sanitation, and section 1.3.1 of the Sudan: Security situation report. For background information, see section 1.1.5. of the EUAA Sudan report – Country Focus (April 2024). In February 2024, the RSF shut down telecommunication services provided by the three largest telecommunication companies in most part of the country, affecting the ability of many Sudanese to pay for food and other essentials since many rely on online payments.561