In September, Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance, in collaboration with the Bishops of Sudan, launched a critical appeal to address an urgent crisis. The crisis? One of the most urgent and underfunded crises of recent years, the humanitarian emergency in Sudan.
Much of the world remains unaware of the gravity of the situation. Over 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—are now facing acute hunger, with 755,000 on the very brink of famine, while famine has been declared in a camp for displaced people in northern Darfur. Civil conflict, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has displaced 10.7 million people, with over 7.9 million forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
The most heartbreaking part? More than half of those displaced are children under the age of 18. The United Nations has reported that these children have endured over a year of separation from their families, human rights violations, trauma, and violence. They lack access to even the most basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
Dignity kits distribution by CAFOD in Sudan. Photo CAFOD
Local heroes on the frontlines
Despite these overwhelming challenges, local first responders in Sudan are working tirelessly to deliver essential services in the hardest-to-reach areas. These community-based organisations are the backbone of the humanitarian response, yet they receive little to no funding from larger agencies. Their efforts are nothing short of heroic.
At a recent UN General Assembly side event, Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance made a powerful statement highlighting the urgent need to support these local heroes. “Funds must reach smaller, informal, and community-based organisations in remote areas,” the statement emphasised. These local responders are often the only lifeline for many families trapped in the conflict.
A plea for international support
The appeal isn’t just about providing food and water—it’s about ensuring the survival of an entire generation. As one local faith leader in Sudan warned, “The cries of our children will echo for generations if the world does not act now.” Another added, “If nothing changes, entire generations will be lost, and hope for peace may never return.”
The joint appeal also calls on all parties involved in the conflict to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. It is a plea for governments and leaders at the United Nations to use every diplomatic tool at their disposal to help bring an end to this catastrophe.
Handwashing facilities in a refugee camp in White Nile State, Sudan, installed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Photo CAFOD
On the ground: what we’re doing to help
Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance are working on the ground to support displaced people and refugees across North Darfur, North Kordofan, River Nile, Khartoum, and White Nile states. Here’s what we’re doing:
-
Water and Sanitation: Caritas is improving access to clean water by rehabilitating water systems, installing solar-powered water points, and constructing sanitation facilities. These efforts are already benefiting over 29,000 people.
-
Hygiene Promotion: Nearly 100,000 people will receive hygiene kits and education on critical health practices to prevent the spread of disease.
-
Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces: Caritas is also providing support to over 15,000 people through Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces. These spaces offer counselling, psychosocial services, and raise awareness on issues like violence and early marriage through community involvement.
How you can make a difference
The situation in Sudan is dire, but there is hope. Local organisations are making a tangible difference. However, they need your help to continue their life-saving work.
By supporting the Caritas Australia Sudan Crisis Appeal, you are helping provide critical resources to the people who need it most. Every donation brings us one step closer to averting famine and saving lives.
Now is the time to act. Please stand with us in solidarity with the people of Sudan and make a difference today.
