Caritas Australia is calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan, as escalating violence in El Fasher and across the country pushes millions further into crisis.
Sudan is now home to the world’s largest displacement emergency, with more than 9 million people forced from their homes and an additional 3 million having fled to neighbouring countries. Famine has also been declared in various parts of the country, with more than 30 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance.
The situation in North Darfur is especially dire following the takeover of the capital El Fasher in late October, resulting from a siege that began 18 months ago. Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the city without access to food, clean water, or medical care.
Those that flee risk being targeted in mass killings, with 460 people killed on October 28 following an attack on a maternity hospital where medical staff were also kidnapped for ransom.
Women and girls in particular face extreme risks, including gender-based violence, sexual violence, exploitation, and loss of access to essential services. Protection systems have collapsed, and safe spaces are increasingly difficult to maintain.
“This is a moment for compassion and action,” Sally Thomas, humanitarian manager at Caritas Australia, said.
“The suffering in Sudan is immense, and yet it is barely visible in global headlines. Our partners are doing everything they can, but the needs are overwhelming, and the response is critically underfunded.”
Caritas Australia’s partners – Caritas Sudan, CAFOD, and Norwegian Church Aid – are delivering lifesaving support in some of the hardest-hit areas, including North Darfur, Gedaref, White Nile, North Kordofan, River Nile, and Khartoum.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian access is increasingly restricted due to roadblocks and visa delays. The withdrawal of key donors following global aid cutbacks has also left critical gaps in funding, forcing agencies to scale back even as needs grow.
Caritas Australia is urging the Australian Government and international donors to increase humanitarian funding, support protection services for women and children, and ensure safe access for aid workers.
Details: Caritas Australia’s Sudan Appeal.
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Caritas Australia calls for urgent action as Sudan humanitarian crisis deepens (Caritas Australia)
