The United Nations has warned of an escalation of the conflict in Sudan, with deadly consequences for civilians caught up in the middle. In a recent update on the emergency situation in the northeast African nation, the Independent International Fact Finding Mission for Sudan described the situation in the country as a crisis of humanity, highlighting the increased use of heavy weaponry in populated areas. Experts of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said there was "widespread" sexual violence, children dying of hunger, and blocked humanitarian aid. Aid agencies in the country said the conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, wide scale displacement and a growing number of people in need. Despite a UN arms embargo on Sudan, the mission has gathered testimonies and stressed that the conflict continues as a result of the steady flow of illicit arms into the country. However, some Sudanese experts warn that the arms embargo is risky for the country's security. Sudan has been gripped by over two years of fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and efforts by various mediators to stop the fighting have so far failed. Shotlist: Sudan - Recent: 1. Various of refugees at humanitarian aid distribution site ; Sudan - June 20, 2025 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mona Rishmawi, expert member, Independent International Fact Finding Mission (starting with shot 1, partially overlaid with shot 3): "Each side blames the other, but the result is the same - aid is being strangled, and the civilians are being starved. These are intentional acts. The targeting of food, medicines, survivors and aid workers are violations of international law." ; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Sudan - Recent 3. Refugees; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Aerial shot of humanitarian aid trucks running on road; 5. Humanitarian aid trucks, donkey cart running on road; 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Adnan Hazam, spokesman, Red Cross in Sudan (starting with shot 5): "It is very unfortunate that this conflict has created a bitter humanitarian reality that has affected all aspects of life for millions of Sudanese. There are tens of thousands of dead and wounded, in addition to 11 million who have been forced to leave their homes in search of shelter and security."; 7. Various of refugees; Sudan - June 20, 2025 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Mohamed Chande Othman, chair, Independent International Fact Finding Mission (starting with shot 7): "There is a direct link between the flow of arms in Sudan, armed hostilities and the resulting violence amounting to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations."; FILE: Greater Capital Area, Sudan - June 2023 9. Various of military vehicles on street; Sudan - Recent 10. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohi El-Din Mohamed, advisor, Sudanese Council of Ministers and Military Expert (starting with shot 9): "The UN resolution to impose an arms embargo on Sudan is dangerous. It will deprive the army of its role in protecting citizens. It undermines Sudan's sovereignty and allows militias and terrorist groups to expand within Sudan."; FILE: Greater Capital Area, Sudan - June 2023 11. Military vehicles on street. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya TV/Middle East Broadcasting Center]