Ramadan 2026: UN Secretary-General Laments Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Sudan

 

​As the Muslim world prepares to usher in the holy month of Ramadan 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a somber and urgent message to the international community. In his annual Ramadan address, the UN chief lamented that while the month is a sacred time for peace, reflection, and prayer, for millions in Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict zones, these values remain a distant dream. The "UN Scribe" highlighted the harrowing reality of hunger, displacement, and death that continues to define life for the most vulnerable members of the human family.

​A Vision of Peace Amidst Global Conflict

​The Secretary-General’s message, delivered ahead of the start of the fast, emphasized that Ramadan represents a noble vision of hope. However, he noted that this vision is currently eclipsed by "horrific humanitarian crises." From the rubble of Gaza to the war-torn regions of Sudan, the spirit of the holy month is being tested by what the UN describes as the world's most pressing human rights catastrophes.

​"In these difficult and divided times, let us heed Ramadan’s enduring message to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those who are suffering, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person." — António Guterres

​The Catastrophe in Gaza: 1.5 Million Displaced

​The situation in the Gaza Strip remains at the forefront of the UN's humanitarian concerns. Reports indicate that almost 1.5 million people—two out of every three Palestinians in Gaza—are currently living in overcrowded displacement sites.

• ​Overcrowding: Families are packed into 1,000 different sites across the strip.
• ​Exposure: Many are living in makeshift tents that offer little protection from the harsh weather or privacy.
• ​Infrastructure: Hundreds of families are taking shelter in damaged buildings at constant risk of collapse.

​The UN chief reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire and the removal of obstacles that prevent the entry of life-saving goods into the territory.

​Sudan: 1,000 Days of War and Famine

​Turning his attention to Africa, Guterres highlighted the devastating civil war in Sudan, which has now surpassed 1,000 days of conflict. Since April 2023, the struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created what the UN calls the "world’s worst humanitarian crisis."

• ​Mass Displacement: Over 11 million people have been forced from their homes.
• ​Drone Attacks: A sharp increase in drone attacks in the Kordofan region is endangering civilians and damaging critical infrastructure.
• ​Food Insecurity: Famine is no longer a threat but a reality for millions, with the UN Global Humanitarian Plan for 2026 aiming to save 87 million lives worldwide, with Sudan as a central pillar.

​The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, recently set a target date—the beginning of Ramadan—to see "visible progress" toward a humanitarian truce in Sudan.

​Humanitarian Missions and the Struggle for Access

​The UN’s ability to provide aid is being severely hampered by bureaucratic barriers and active combat.

• ​Gaza Missions: Out of eight attempted humanitarian missions recently, only five were fully facilitated.
• ​Sudan Access: Aid workers are facing "shrinking humanitarian space," with Sudan becoming one of the deadliest places for aid delivery.

​The Secretary-General urged all parties to the conflict to grant "rapid, safe, and unhindered" access for humanitarian personnel, reminding the world that the protection of civilians and health facilities is a requirement under international law.

​Bridging Divides: A Call for Global Solidarity

​In his message, Guterres noted his tradition of visiting Muslim communities during Ramadan to share in the fast—a practice he says fills his heart with peace and compassion. He called on the world to use the "spirit of the horse" (referencing the Lunar New Year energy) and the "spirit of Ramadan" to work as one.

​The goal for 2026 is clear: the guns must fall silent. Whether in Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, or Gaza, the UN is demanding a shift from rhetoric to action, emphasizing that the rights and dignity of every human being are non-negotiable.