Attachments
After more than 500 days of conflict in Sudan, food security experts warn that up to 2.5 million people in the country may face death from hunger before the end of the year. In response, Australian humanitarian agencies have sent an open letter to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts urging Australia to increase its efforts and take more decisive action to address the severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Sudan is now engulfed in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Over 25 million people—more than half the population—are facing acute hunger, with over 755,000 on the brink of famine and more than 12 million displaced. Over 18,000 people have been killed according to the United Nations, however some analysts suggest that the death toll could be as high as 150,000.
“Today, humanitarian agencies are calling on the Australian Government to take further action, given the scale of the crisis in Sudan.” Said Marc Purcell, ACFID CEO.
The letter calls for the Australian Government to increase its diplomatic engagement alongside like-minded countries to secure a durable ceasefire and political solution, provide immediate new and additional funding to the humanitarian response, support diverse Sudanese civil society and increase humanitarian access.
The letter also notes the lack of meaningful diplomatic tools or engagement utilised to pressure warring parties, and a disturbingly quiet response to a declaration of famine in Zamzam refugee camp in July by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
“Australian humanitarian organisations are still operating in Sudan. They are ready to expand and scale up critical humanitarian relief operations.”
“Australia has a thriving Sudanese & South Sudanese diaspora community of over 25,000, and they expect that the Government do more to address this horrific humanitarian crisis.” said Mr Purcell.
“In previous declarations of famine by the IPC in Somalia in 2011 and South Sudan in 2017, the Australian Government swiftly responded. In the letter, Australian humanitarian agencies call on the government to meet this catastrophe with the level of urgency and intensity that it requires.” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Advisor.
“To date, the Australian Government has provided just over $33 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan. It’s a welcome start, but it is far lower than our like-minded counterparts. Australia must step up like Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have done. ” said Ms Brooks.
Click here to read the letter in full.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Will Devine at 0401 721 064 or at media@acfid.asn.au
Background
Sudan has been in the grips of a violent civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, with the UN continuing to voice concern at the escalating humanitarian situation. In that time, there have been widespread reports of conflict-related sexual violence, indiscriminate attacks against civilians, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arms trafficking and more.
Over 18,000 people have been killed, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, (UNOCHA). However, some analysts have indicated that the death toll could be as high as 150,000.
The aid & humanitarian sector is working to offer assistance and protection to affected people and communities and continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities, to uphold international law and protect civilians, including health and humanitarian aid workers.