Crisis in Sudan: Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Responding

Photo: ICRC

People in Sudan flee their homes due to the fierce fighting with only what they can carry. The Red Cross Movement is providing vital aid, including first aid, medical supplies and mental health support.

On Saturday, April 15, fighting broke out in Sudan and has been rapidly increasing in the capital of Khartoum and other regions across the country. The fighting is occurring in densely populated urban areas with shrapnel and stray bullets endangering the lives of civilians. Hundreds of lives have already been lost and thousands of injuries are occurring.

Many families have not been able to leave their homes for several days while others are stranded and are in need evacuation, medical attention, and essential supplies such as food and water. This latest flare-up of violence threatens to worsen a humanitarian crisis in a region that has suffered from years of violence, instability, drought and economic hardship.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to deliver emergency relief and to get help to those impacted by the conflict as quickly as possible.

Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) volunteers have been deployed in Khartoum to offer first aid services and psychosocial support to those affected. Hundreds of volunteers have also been deployed in other states; North Darfur, South Darfur and Northern State (Merawi) to offer first aid services in hospitals.

Neighbouring Red Cross Red Crescent Societies like the Chad Red Cross and Egyptian Red Crescent are providing aid to people fleeing the conflict in border areas.

Our Movement partners, the International Committee of the Red Cross delivered eight tons of emergency medical supplies by cargo plane in Port Sudan on April 30, a critical first step in the delivery of international aid.

With the support of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is providing financial assistance to the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement response in Sudan and neighbouring countries. We’re continuing to actively monitor the situation and are ready to provide additional emergency aid, including supplies, personnel and funding, as requested.

The International Disaster Relief Fund
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.