One year since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the European Union has co-hosted--with France and Germany--the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and neighboring countries. The conference aimed to boost support for people affected by what has become one of the worst humanitarian crises and the largest displacement crisis in the world.

The European Commission assured its commitment of 355 million euros in both humanitarian and development funding for Sudan and its neighbors, while EU States 541 million euros, with total amounts close to 900 million euros.

The European Commission's funding will be channeled via humanitarian organizations to the most vulnerable in need suffering from consequences of the conflict in Sudan itself, but also those who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. According to a European Union Press communiqué, aid will provide communities with health and nutritional care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, and education to the most vulnerable households supporting the internally displaced, refugee families and host communities.

The war between rival military groups in Sudan over the past year has put more than half of its population of 51 million at risk of famine and dependent on emergency food and medicine, as well as pressure on surrounding countries dealing with those fleeing  the violence.

Reacting to the EU's pledge, CAFOD, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said it welcomes "the pledges made by various countries to support relief efforts in Sudan and its neighboring countries" but it expressed worry the amounts "fall far short of the $2.7 billion (over 2.5 billion euros) urgently needed to address the scale of this crisis."

CAFOD adds that donors must now "honor their commitments and disburse pledges as quickly as possible" so that together swift and decisive action can "prevent further suffering and loss of life in Sudan."

The UK agency has underscored “the need to increase life-saving food aid and offer cash and vouchers in areas where markets are working." And worryingly, "while food is available in some local markets, many Sudanese cannot afford to purchase it, and humanitarian aid trucks face access constraints preventing them from reaching communities in need. Reports of starvation are already emerging, with food security watchdogs warning the risk of famine is imminent.”

Working in Sudan since the 1970s, CAFOD supports opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers and women. CAFOD is on the ground in Sudan and neighboring countries, working together with local partners to address urgent humanitarian needs.

Caritas urges Australian Government to increase aid to Sudan

On the other hand, Caritas Australia has marked the first anniversary of the civil war between armed militias in Sudan, calling on the Albanese Government to help improve aid access for the impoverished nation.

Since April 15, 2023, Caritas said, 13,900 people have lost their lives in Sudan with more than eight million people displaced. About half of the population – 25 million people including 14 million children – now need humanitarian aid and protection assistance.

Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia, said the “outlook is dire for displaced people in and around Sudan, especially women and girls. As such, we continue to call on our Government to undertake diplomatic action to improve aid access through agreed humanitarian corridors or a ceasefire.”

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) has also called on the Australian Government to provide $50 million in new and additional funding to the humanitarian catastrophe occurring in Sudan and the region.

In a release, ACFID noted that “Australia’s peers have recognized the urgency and scale of this crisis. The European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany having all committed more than $160m each to the Sudan response, compared to Australia’s $20.45 million to date.”

In a recent statement, the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference also raised concerns “the international community has forgotten the Sudan crisis”.

Since conflict broke out, Caritas partners have been working to support displaced people and their host communities with food and multipurpose cash assistance, shelter, psychosocial support, hygiene services, and gender-based violence protection.  

“We do take solace in the breadth of our partner network in the region, many of whom have years if not decades of experience there,” Ms. Roberson said.

“Their tireless work ensures the generosity of our supporters here in Australia is felt by the people across the region.”