As the war in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) enters its third year, millions continue to suffer from hunger, disease, and systematic violations of human rights.
For the past two years, both the RSF and the SAF have continued to indiscriminately bomb populated areas and block humanitarian access. The RSF and their allied militias have engaged in a campaign of terror, committing widespread sexual violence, mass killings, abductions and the destruction of schools and hospitals.
ACFID continues to reiterate its calls to all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that civilians and humanitarian access is protected and that aid can be delivered unimpeded.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), more than 24.6 million people are experiencing high levels of food insecurity, which includes approximately 8.1 million in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and over 600,000 in IPC Phase 5 conditions (Catastrophe).
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates some 13 million people have been displaced during the conflict, with at least 20,000 people killed, though the number is likely far higher.
Throughout the conflict, famine-hit camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have suffered from sieges and systematic attacks, further compounding the dire humanitarian situation. On Sunday 13th April, RSF fighters breached Zamzam camp in Darfur, leaving hundreds dead and wounded, including nine humanitarian workers from Relief International. According to the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab, the camp, with an estimated population of between 500,000 – 1.2 million people, is currently being systematically destroyed by intentional arson. As a result of this, some 400,000 people have been forced to flee the camp, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).
ACFID urges the international community to increase humanitarian assistance to the United Nations Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan.
Quotes attributable to Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Lead
“Two years on, ACFID is deeply alarmed by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. We are horrified at the flagrant breaches of international humanitarian law, and we call on all who have influence over parties to the conflict to push for an end to hostilities.”
“Alongside the Sudanese diaspora in Australia, ACFID has welcomed the previous $50 million in humanitarian funding to Sudan by the Australian Government. However, this catastrophe remains urgent.”
“The 2025 United Nations Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan is only 10.1% funded. The international community, including Australia must further their support for humanitarian assistance, including to local NGOs, at today’s pledging meeting in London.”
“In previous declarations of famine by the IPC in Somalia in 2011 and South Sudan in 2017, the Australian Government swiftly responded. Australian humanitarian agencies call on the government to meet this catastrophe with the level of urgency and intensity that it requires.”
Quotes attributable to Amad Mohammed, Sudanese Australian Advocacy Network (SAAN)
“Today marks two years since the outbreak of war in Sudan—a brutal conflict that has devastated millions of lives and caused untold suffering. For the Sudanese people, both in Sudan and across the diaspora, including here in Australia, the impact has been heartbreaking. Families remain separated, loved ones lost, and a deep sense of grief and uncertainty continues to grow.”
“The Sudanese-Australian community watches on with anguish as their homeland is torn apart. We urgently call on the international community to act decisively to end this war and prevent further loss.”
“We also call on the Australian Government to expand its humanitarian assistance and support those affected by this crisis, both in Sudan and among displaced Sudanese seeking refuge and safety.”
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at media@acfid.asn.au or call 0401 721 064.