Sudan is currently experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, but with headline focus being pulled to other issues, it risks fading into the background noise of a world in crisis. The impact on innocent civilians in Sudan and across the region has been severe, and shows no sign of improving in the short term. In this post, we’re going to examine how we got here, what the current situation is, what is being done, and what the immediate future looks like.
Dignity kits distribution by CAFOD in Sudan. Photo CAFOD
What happened in Sudan?
In April 2023, civil conflict broke out in Sudan, between the army and a powerful militia. The power struggle has continued with no clear end in sight, with violence escalating and the situation on the ground deteriorating. Key points:
- Almost 14,000 people were killed in the first 12 months of the conflict
- 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes
- Major damage to infrastructure has affected provision of food, water and services
- 25 million people are in need of acute humanitarian assistance
Sudan has traditionally been a host country for refugees from neighbouring regions. The current conflict has put huge pressure on resources that were already stretched to breaking point.
The international community has not done enough to help end the conflict, as resources and attention have been pulled towards other emergencies and conflict zones.
What is happening in Sudan today?
The conflict still rages with no end in sight. As the violence has spread, reports of sexual violence have increased at an alarming rate. There have been credible accusations of war crimes being committed by both sides, with a Human Rights Watch report indicting ethnic cleansing is occurring in certain regions.
The UN has also declared that Sudan is facing a severe hunger crisis, with famine being declared in parts of Northern Darfur. Famine is declared when 1 in 5 people or households severely lack food and face malnutrition, starvation and death.
Sudan is also facing what the UN has called the “largest displacement crisis in the world” with about 16% of the entire population being displaced either within Sudan, or across the border into neighbouring countries.
What is being done to help in Sudan?
The international community has not given enough focus to Sudan. Efforts to solve the conflict have failed so far. According to OCHA, the 2024 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which has sought over $2 billion from the international community, was only 5.8% funded. In June of this year, the Australian Government announced a $29 million aid package for the region, with $13 million going to assist vulnerable communities displaced by the crisis.
We have been working with our partners, CAFOD, SOS Sahel and ERRADA to help displaced communities access food, clean water, hygiene and sanitation support, and other urgent needs.
Handwashing facilities in a refugee camp in White Nile State, Sudan, installed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Photo CAFOD
What does the future hold for Sudan?
The situation is getting worse, and there is no good news on the horizon. What started as outbreaks of fighting has escalated into war crimes, famine, and a displacement crisis the likes of which the world has rarely seen. Unless the international community seriously steps up in its efforts to bring an end to the conflict and get massive humanitarian intervention to the millions who need it, there is very little hope for an end to the suffering of vulnerable communities in Sudan.
What can I do to help?
The NGO community is present in Sudan and surrounding countries to bring vital aid to those who need it most. Our partners have been on the ground since the start of the conflict, supporting vulnerable communities with essential support. Every donation counts, even the smallest amount can make a life-changing difference.
