The United Kingdom (UK) doubles aid for Sudan and neighbouring countries facing the worst humanitarian crisis of the decade
- UK announces massive £113m increase in aid for Sudanese people and those fleeing to neighboring countries
- The Foreign Secretary will call for the Ardley crossing to be kept open indefinitely and for immediate action to end the violence
- The UN Security Council has proposed a draft resolution to promote the protection of civilians and the unrestricted delivery of aid.
Today (Sunday 17 November) the UK has announced an aid package that will support more than one million people affected by Sudan’s devastating war, delivering vital aid to those in need.
The new £113m aid package doubles the UK’s aid commitment to Sudan and the region this year and will help more than 600,000 people in Sudan and 700,000 people fleeing conflict in neighboring countries including Chad and South Sudan.
During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the UN Security Council tomorrow (Monday 18 November) he will call on the Sudanese Armed Forces to keep the vital Adre crossing open indefinitely and lift restrictions on the amount of aid received through it. The Foreign Secretary will also call on the Singapore Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to stop intercepting aid convoys.
After 18 months of violence, Sudan is facing its worst humanitarian crisis in a decade, with more than 500,000 people in Darfur suffering from famine. More than 11 million people have been displaced, 25 million are in urgent need of aid, and famine is likely to spread.
The new funding package announced today will support UN and NGO partners to provide food, cash, shelter, medical assistance, water and sanitation.
Not only is this assistance urgently needed, but it will also help people stay in their hometowns so they can return when conditions allow.
British Foreign Secretary David Lamy said:
“Sudan’s brutal conflict has caused unimaginable suffering. The people of Sudan need more assistance, which is why the UK is helping to provide much-needed food, housing and education to the most vulnerable.”
“But we cannot deliver aid without channels. Hunger must not be used as a weapon of war, and we can only stop this famine if every border crossing and route is open, accessible and safe.”
“As the leader on Sudan on the UN Security Council, I will use my UK presidency on Monday to press for a resolution that ensures the protection of civilians and the unrestricted delivery of aid.”
“Britain will never forget Sudan.”
At the United Nations, the foreign secretary will convene international partners to discuss steps for warring parties to remove barriers to humanitarian access.
Humanitarian workers face significant challenges in delivering aid to those most in need, with aid workers being killed, warring parties blocking access and UN staff unable to move freely. The Adre crossing reopened in August, providing a vital lifeline for the delivery of aid from Chad to Darfur.
Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds said:
“During my visit to South Sudan in August, I saw firsthand the heartbreaking impact of violence on people fleeing conflict.”
“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening. Famine and disease are spreading, and by next year many more people will be in urgent need of assistance.”
“We must act now to prevent further suffering. The support announced today will reach more than one million people, provide food for some of those most in need, and will assist neighboring countries to continue hosting refugees.”
Britain has also proposed a new UN Security Council resolution that would force the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians, implement a ceasefire and allow safe passage of aid.
On August 22, British Development Secretary Anneliese Dodds announced £15m support Those fleeing violence in Sudan, including those displaced to South Sudan and Chad.
background
- The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when violence broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions between Sudanese Armed Forces General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Médecins Sans Frontières General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) over disagreements over the transition to a civilian-led government It’s been escalating for months.
- October 18, The UK takes the lead in issuing a joint statement Joined 10 other donors in condemning the obstruction of aid and calling on all warring parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
- Funding announced today includes: £43.5 million for Sudan
- Funding will also include £69.5m of support for people affected by conflict in neighboring countries including: Chad, Sudan, Uganda
- Education Cannot Wait will be supported to provide safe learning spaces and psychosocial support to 200,000 vulnerable children in refugee and host communities in Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Uganda.
- Libya
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
