As Sudan marks the third anniversary of a brutal and devastating conflict, Caritas Australia is urging Catholics to stand in prayer and solidarity with the millions of people whose lives have been torn apart by violence, hunger and displacement.
Since fighting erupted in April 2023, Sudan has descended into what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises, with civilians, and especially children, paying an unbearable price.
More than 25 million people now need humanitarian assistance, with millions forced from their homes and entire communities struggling to access food, clean water, and healthcare.
Despite the worsening violence, Sudan has slipped from global headlines, even as needs continue to grow and humanitarian funding is cut back.
“At its heart, this is a story about people, of mothers, fathers and children, who are enduring unimaginable hardships” Caritas Australia programs director Dan Skehan said.
“Our faith teaches us that as members of one human family and one body in Christ, we are bound to one another. When our brothers and sisters in Sudan suffer, we are called not to look away, but to respond with love, generosity, and prayer.”
For three years, Caritas Australia and its local partners in Sudan have offered communities practical support and hope in the darkest of circumstances.
For Amna, a mother living in a displaced persons camp in Tawila, North Darfur, support from Caritas became a sign of hope when her family had none.
“When the conflict erupted, the outpatient treatment centre was closed for several months and there was no food and medicine. The children suffering from malnutrition had nowhere to go.”
Her daughter, just three years old, was suffering from severe malnutrition.
Through local organisation SAHARI and Caritas Australia’s partner organisation CAFOD, community volunteers visited homes in the camp and identified children most at risk.
Amna’s daughter was referred to a newly established nutrition centre, where she received lifesaving care. After three months of treatment, her condition improved.
“For us, this is not just a project,” Amna said. “It is saving lives. Before, there was nothing. Now our children are cared for, fed, and treated with dignity.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Sudan Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/sudan or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
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Caritas Australia marks three years of war in Sudan with an urgent call for solidarity and support (Caritas Australia)
