Today marks three years since the start of the conflict in Sudan.
The country is still experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the conflict, and needs continue to rise, with more than 30 million people in need of assistance.
Government ministers from co-hosts Germany, UK, France, EU, AU and US – alongside other high-level participants, Sudanese civil society and INGOs such as Plan International – gathered in Berlin for the third International Sudan Conference on Wednesday. Despite significant financial pledges and lofty rhetoric, more needs to be done to support vulnerable populations – particularly children, girls and women, in Sudan.
Mohamed Kamal, Country Director of Plan International Sudan, said:
“The Sudan Conference in Berlin presented a critical opportunity to secure a humanitarian truce, uphold International Humanitarian Law, and ensure protection for civilians. That opportunity has not been fully seized.”
“Women and girls in Sudan are facing unprecedented levels of sexual and gender-based violence. With each passing day, they are forced to endure those horrific circumstances.”
“Millions of girls are at risk of never returning to school, exposing them to early marriage, exploitation and lifelong inequality. Flexible, consistent and adequately resourced funding, particularly for child protection, education and gender-based violence, remains critically insufficient. We call for at least 5% of all humanitarian funding to be dedicated to the prevention of and response to gender-based violence.”
“A stronger and more coordinated diplomatic effort is urgently needed to end the fighting in Sudan. Humanitarian organisations, including Plan International, must be granted safe and unhindered access to all parts of Sudan to reach those most in need.
“Local and women-led organisations remain at the forefront of the response and must be adequately funded, protected and meaningfully included in peace processes.”
“Impunity should no longer be tolerated. We need stronger ways to record and respond to grave violations against children in Sudan. Child protection must not be an afterthought but a core priority. Without clear evidence, accountability is weakened. And without accountability, abuses against children will continue.”