“Today's conference was a genuine attempt to revive the world's efforts to help the victims of Sudan's brutal, neglected conflict. The funds pledged today are desperately needed to save millions of lives: they need to be made available immediately.
“The funding promised reached half the US$4 billion needed in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. Millions more people still risk dying of starvation or be forced to flee. Also, only half of the G20 states—the wealthiest economies in the world—are contributing. Where are the others?
“The test for the international community will be in the weeks and months to come. The words echoed today calling on warring parties to stop using aid as a weapon of war must be followed with continued diplomatic pressure for humanitarian aid. Far too many civilians are trapped in areas that we cannot quickly or safely reach as a result of aid obstruction.
“We need the international community's continued support to follow their words today with deeds to help open up humanitarian routes and overcome restrictions ahead of a looming, man-made famine.”
Notes to editors:
- Photos are available for free use here.
- 24.8 million people need humanitarian aid in 2024.
- 6.5 million people have been internally displaced since 15 April 2023 (IOM), in addition to 3.8 million already displaced prior to the start of the war, turning Sudan into the largest internal displacement crisis (IOM).
- 1.76 million people crossed Sudan’s borders since 15 April, mainly to Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Central African Republic (UNHCR).
- Over 25 million people across Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad are trapped in a spiral of deteriorating food security. including at least 17 million in Sudan. The war risks creating the world’s largest hunger crisis (WFP).
- A total of US$4bn are needed for this year’s humanitarian response – US$2.70bn for Sudan and US$1.4bn for the neighbouring countries.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- Karl Schembri, NRC Media Adviser in Nairobi: karl.schembri@nrc.no, +254 741 664562
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
