In Sudan, where a brutal civil war has raged for two years, the humanitarian situation remains dire. 30.4 million people need humanitarian assistance, over half of them children and a quarter of them women, as well as many elderly people and persons with a disability.   

Recalling the “suffering of children, women and vulnerable people that cries out to heaven and begs us to act”, His Holiness Pope Francis renewed his appeal to the parties involved, “that they may end the violence and embark on paths of dialogue, and to the international community, so that the help needed may be provided to the populations." 

During this conflict, Caritas agencies have raised concerns over the worsening hunger crisis, leading to famine in parts of North Darfur and waterborne diseases leading to cholera outbreaks in transit camps supported by Caritas partners.  

In September 2024 Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance worked in consultation with the Bishops of Sudan to launch a joint appeal aimed at averting an imminent famine in Sudan. This appeal is supported locally by the Caritas Australia Sudan Crisis Appeal.  

The joint appeal with the Bishops of Sudan aims to support around 100,000 people with water and hygiene services, gender-based violence protection, and cash assistance to assist with food security. This includes support for local community groups and national organisations working in areas of the country where there is no UN agency presence and, in some cases, no other international NGOs.   

The programs are chronically underfunded, as are all programs in Sudan. As of the end of March the UN reported a 90 per cent funding shortfall for its plans to support 21 million Sudanese people. 

Sally Thomas Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia said of the ongoing struggles in Sudan, “This time last year the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference raised concerns that the international community has forgotten the Sudan crisis. The lack of funding for life saving services in Sudan unfortunately supports this.  

“As we mark the anniversary of this brutal conflict, the brunt of which is felt by women and children, we are inviting Catholics across Australia to unite in prayer and extend their compassion to their brothers and sisters in need in Sudan.”