Sudan Complex Emergency
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. Photo: ICRC
How you can helpDuring 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, 2023, fighting broke out near Khartoum, Sudan and quickly spread to the capital and other areas of the country. This ongoing conflict has escalated a devastating humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and severe shortages of vital resources, including food, water, medicines, and fuel.
One year later, UN OCHA estimates that more than six million people have been displaced within Sudan and close to two 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, almost 25 million people need assistance, almost 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
According to UN OCHA, close to two 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. Here, people fleeing the conflict can access 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 is supporting the ongoing response in Sudan and neighbouring countries by:
- Deploying humanitarian experts, with support from the Government of Canada
- Contributing funds to support Red Cross Red Crescent partners, with support from the Government of Canada and the Temerty Foundation.