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Sudan Complex Emergency

Sudan Red Crescent Society volunteer nurse Wajdan Hassan Ahmed holds a young child
Photo: ICRC


Photo caption: Sudan Red Crescent Society volunteer nurse Wajdan Hassan Ahmed holds a young child during a visit to a camp for people who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. 

Situation in Sudan

On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out near Khartoum, Sudan and quickly spread to the capital and other areas of the country. This ongoing conflict has escalated into a devastating humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and severe shortages of vital resources, including food, water, medicines, and fuel.

More than two years later, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10.5 million people have been displaced within Sudan and nearly four million others have fled to neighbouring countries.

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 UN OCHA, more than 30 million people need assistance, more than 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 have been working closely to get vital relief to people who are impacted. This support includes:
 
  • Delivering meals and food parcels
  • Providing first aid and medical treatments, in part through mobile clinics
  • Providing basic relief and essential household items
  • Evacuating wounded people
  • Providing psychosocial support and assisting in health facilities that remain open
  • Distributing medical and surgical supplies
  • Rehabilitating community water points and supply systems
  • Distributing hygiene kits
  • Facilitating phone calls between separated family members
  • Evacuating children and caretakers to safer locations
  • Facilitating the release of detainees, including wounded soldiers

Situation in neighbouring countries

According to WHO, nearly four million people have fled to neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan. Resources in host communities are being stretched thin, with many Sudanese refugees living in very precarious conditions without proper protection, shelter, food, water, or sanitation.
 

Staff and volunteers from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are providing crucial support at border points through Humanitarian Service Points. They offer essential services such as psychosocial support, medication, first aid, food, and SIM cards, and receive support in reconnecting with family members through the Restoring Family Links program.

The Canadian Red Cross has supported the response in Sudan and neighbouring countries by contributing funds to support Red Cross Red Crescent partners, with support from the Government of Canada and the Temerty Foundation. We continue to support with sending humanitarian experts, with support from Government of Canada.

How you can help people impacted by the Sudan Complex Emergency

You can help support people hit hard by multiple humanitarian crises in Sudan and other impacted African countries by donating to the Africa Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. Donations enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Sudan and other impacted African countries to provide immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and preparedness for future events in and around the impacted regions.

To help people impacted by emergencies around the world—like the crisis in Sudan—please give to the International Disaster Relief Fund today.