Attachments
Due to the significant cross-border population movement out of Sudan resulting from the ongoing crisis, this Emergency Appeal intends to support the humanitarian response plans and activities of the National Societies in neighbouring countries: Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. It has been developed in close coordination with the IFRC Network and the ICRC, and complements the IFRC Sudan Complex Emergency Appeal (MDRSD033).
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Since the start of the Sudan conflict in April 2023, more than 11 million people have been displaced, including 3.4 million seeking refuge in countries neighbouring Sudan. The scale of population movement within Sudan and across its borders has made this the largest displacement crisis in the world. Many of those arriving in neighbouring countries have endured severe humanitarian situations within Sudan for an extended period, with many being displaced several times internally before finally being able to cross the border to safety. These people have often been without consistent access to basic goods and services such as water, food, and health care, all while enduring tremendous psychological pressure. Many have faced harassment and extortion, and reports of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) are on the rise.
Across the borders in destination countries, refugees and returnees face additional challenges, such as how to protect their families and meet basic needs. While host governments and communities have welcomed refugees and returnees, the dimensions of this crisis have far surpassed the capacity of most host communities and local authorities. People are arriving physically and psychologically exhausted, sometimes severely injured, without food, water or shelter, and with no means to cover the cost of basic necessities. Many are anxious for news from their loved ones and urgently need to communicate with their families.
The displacement crisis has now lasted for over twenty months, with no solution in sight for a safe return to Sudan. If humanitarian assistance decreases, there is a risk that refugees may resort to negative coping mechanisms for survival, and the risk of social cohesion deteriorating with host communities will increase. Of particular concern are women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in need of special support.
Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda have been on the frontline providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced and host communities. These National Societies are leveraging their network of branches, staff, and volunteers, and coordinating with Participating National Societies (PNSs) to respond to the crisis by providing basic needs assistance (including shelter and food), health and WASH, protection, and restoring family links. To date, these National Societies have reached over one million people with these vital services.
These National Societies will continue their vital humanitarian work through 2025, ensuring that the targeted population has access to adequate standards of care. They will do so in close coordination with the in-country humanitarian community, which has relied heavily on their structures and capacity to reach people in need. They will also coordinate and cooperate with the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRC) in joint preparedness and readiness planning to address further population movements.
EMERGENCY APPEAL REVISION
Twenty months into the conflict, the situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, with repeated attempts at negotiating ceasefires failing to yield results. Displacement within Sudan and into neighbouring countries rose steadily throughout 2024. With violence at its peak – placing civilians at heightened risk, disrupting basic services and supply chains – the displacement trend is likely to continue in 2025. The displaced population includes Sudanese refugees, returnees, and foreign nationals, with significantly higher proportions of women, children, and older people, according to the latest reports.
Given the increased number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, the severity of these needs, and the essential role National Societies play, the IFRC, together with National Societies and their members, has decided to extend this appeal for 12 months, until December 2025. The targeted population has also been scaled-up from the initial 705,000 to 1.3 million people, with a corresponding increase in the funding ask to CHF 47.5 million (from CHF 42 million). Notably, Uganda has been included in this Emergency Appeal given the increase in secondary displacement into the country. Conversely, CAR has been excluded, owing to the low and intermittent nature of displacement there and the challenges in accessing intervention areas.