German Red Cross / Deutsches Rotes Kreuz

Three years of armed conflict: The humanitarian situation in Sudan is worse than imaginable

 In Sudan, the humanitarian situation remains devastating—the armed conflict has now been ongoing for three years. Around two out of three people, more than 33 million in total, will require humanitarian assistance this year, about half of them children. Over 13 million people have been displaced, many of them within their own country. “The humanitarian situation in Sudan is one of the worst in the world, and has been for several years. The suffering reported by our sister organization is unimaginable,” says German Red Cross (DRK) President Hermann Gröhe. With regard to the upcoming international Sudan conference in Berlin on the anniversary (April 15), he adds: “People in Sudan need not only more attention, protection, and security—they also urgently need more support. We therefore deeply regret that the halving of funds for humanitarian aid in the federal budget is forcing us to scale back our assistance even in this crisis-stricken country.”

 Three years after the start of the armed conflict, its consequences can be seen and felt almost everywhere in the country. There is a lack of adequate healthcare, and many facilities can no longer operate. There is a shortage of emergency shelters for displaced people, as well as clean water and food. The ongoing conflict is exhausting people’s strength. Many have been displaced multiple times, and numerous civilians have been injured or killed in the conflict, including several humanitarian workers. Twenty-two volunteers of the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRH), the DRK’s sister organization, have lost their lives while on duty alone. Since the end of last year, a cholera outbreak has further worsened the situation, claiming thousands of lives.

 The German Red Cross works closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent, one of the most important aid organizations in the country, to support its life-saving work. Since the beginning of the conflict, the SRH has reached a total of 8.8 million people with its assistance. A particular focus of DRK support in partnership with the SRH is on helping pregnant women and mothers in need. By providing delivery kits and cash assistance, women can arrange medical support for childbirth themselves in the absence of functioning clinics. Measures such as the construction and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities have also been implemented to help contain the spread of cholera. In addition, the distribution of cash assistance to vulnerable households remains a key component of emergency relief efforts.

 “The tireless commitment of the thousands of volunteers in our sister organization is deeply impressive, especially given that they and their families must cope with the extremely difficult situation themselves on a daily basis,” says DRK President Hermann Gröhe. “Time and again, these helpers are forced to take great risks to their own lives in order to help others.”

 Support now!

 Under the circumstances of an armed conflict and a prolonged humanitarian aid operation, with your help we are increasingly investing in the implementation of cash distributions, the management of volunteers in emergency situations, and the strengthening of healthcare services.

 The urgent attention of the global community and financial support are needed to alleviate the immense suffering of the affected people. Strengthening humanitarian efforts is essential to save lives.

 Donate now!