Darfur: ten years on

In 2003, conflict between a range of rebel movements, government-backed militias and the Sudanese armed forces grew into a major humanitarian emergency in the Darfur region of Sudan. There was widespread killing and the destruction of crops, herds and homes.

Since the fighting began, more than two million people have been driven from their homes, and it is estimated that at least 300,000 have died as a result of the conflict. Today, the continued volatility of the region means that most of those living in camps are unable to return to their land or rebuild their villages.

The crisis in Darfur has been largely forgotten by the world’s media, but, ten years on, an estimated 3.4 million people still depend on humanitarian aid, including 1.7 million people still living in camps.

A lifeline for half a million people

We have been supporting projects in Darfur since 2004 as part of a major emergency programme organised by the two main international church-based networks, Caritas Internationalis and Action by Churches Together Alliance. The programme is a lifeline for half a million people. It provides:

• Clean water and sanitation, through boreholes and solar powered water systems
• Health clinics and health training
• Treatment for malnutrition
• Schools
• Seeds, tools and training
• Support for people in making a living, so that families can be self-sufficient
• Peace-building initiatives between communities

You can support our work by donating to our emergency response fund, and by praying for peace.