Food aid in Sudan could run out by the end of March unless fresh funding is secured, the United Nations warned on Thursday, raising alarm for millions caught in what it calls the world’s largest hunger crisis.

Nearly three years of fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left tens of thousands dead, forced 11 million people from their homes and repeatedly stalled peace efforts as both sides push for territory.

UN Warns Food Stocks are Running Out

Ross Smith, the World Food Programme’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said WFP’s food stocks inside Sudan will be depleted by the end of March.

He said without immediate additional funding, millions could be left without vital food assistance within weeks. WFP says it needs $700 million to continue operations through June. Smith added the agency has already been forced to cut rations to what he called the “absolute minimum for survival”.

The UN says more than 21 million people, almost half the population, are facing acute food insecurity, with two-thirds of Sudanese in urgent need of assistance.

Human Rights Chief Calls for “All-Out Effort”

During a visit to Dongola, the capital of Sudan’s Northern State, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said many displaced people lack adequate shelter and women have limited access to support services.

He called for an “all-out effort” by Sudanese authorities and the international community to enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.

UNICEF said last week that millions of children have been pushed “to the brink of survival” and that humanitarian support remains far from sufficient due to funding shortfalls and ongoing hostilities.

Peace Talks Stall as Conflict Spreads

A high-level meeting in Cairo on Wednesday brought together officials from the US and regional mediators Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, known as the Quad, alongside the UN, European Union and regional organisations. Talks have shown little progress and a diplomatic source said there are currently no new truce proposals on the table.

A UN-backed assessment confirmed last year that famine had taken hold in El-Fasher in North Darfur after it was overrun by paramilitary forces in October. Famine has also been confirmed in Kadugli in Kordofan and the UN says more areas across Darfur and Kordofan are at risk.