How you can help
During crises like the current conflict in Sudan, the Canadian Red Cross relies on the flexible funding provided by our donors to the International Disaster Relief Fund. The
International Disaster Relief Fund allows the Canadian Red Cross to support people and communities impacted by emergencies by rapidly sending relief items, humanitarian experts, and funding to the ground.
To help people impacted by emergencies around the world—like the crisis in Sudan—please give to the
International Disaster Relief Fund today.
Situation in Sudan
On April 15, fighting broke out between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of Khartoum and spread to other areas, including Darfur.
The conflict has led to a critical humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its neighbouring countries. In Sudan, over a thousand lives have been lost so far and thousands more people have been injured and need urgent care. As of early July, more than two million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 600,000 people have already fled to neighbouring countries in search of safety,
according to UNHCR.
The violence threatens to worsen a humanitarian crisis in a region that has suffered from years of violence, instability, and economic hardship. Prolonged drought and climate change have also led to severe food insecurity.
According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), prior to the crisis there were at least 11.7 million people in Sudan in need of humanitarian food and livelihood assistance. That figure has now risen to about 24.7 million people – about half of Sudan’s population.
Red Cross Red Crescent response
From the outset of the conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and partner National Societies are working closely together to coordinate the Movement's response to get vital relief to people impacted. This support includes:
- Delivering meals and food parcels.
- Providing first aid and medical treatments.
- Providing basic relief items.
- Evacuating wounded people.
- Providing psychological support consultations and assisting in those hospitals that remain open.
- Distributing surgical supplies to treat hundreds of wounded people in hospitals.
- Donating chlorine to the water authorities in Khartoum.
- Donating first-aid bags, as well as dressing and suture sets.
- Providing hygiene kits for displaced families
- Facilitating phone calls between family members.
- Evacuating children and caretakers to a safer location.
- Facilitating the release of detainees, including wounded soldiers.
Situation in neighbouring countries
Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking safety in neighbouring countries, including in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Egypt, Chad, and Libya. While the situation in neighbouring countries varies, most of the refugees or returnees find themselves in unsafe conditions, without proper protection, shelter, food, water, or sanitation. There are also reports of thousands of people being stranded at border crossings.
Outside Sudan, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies staff and volunteers are providing crucial support at border points through Humanitarian Service Points. Local teams are providing people fleeing the conflict with essential services such as psychosocial support, medication, first aid, food, and SIM cards, as well as helping families reconnect through the Restoring Family Links program.
To date, the Canadian Red Cross has supported this response by:
- Deploying humanitarian experts to support emergency response in Sudan and neighbouring countries, with support from Government of Canada.
- Contributing funds to support Red Cross Red Crescent partners with support from the Government of Canada and the Temerty Foundation.