The United Nations today called on countries worldwide not to overlook the civilians suffering amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan, launching an appeal for $4.1 billion to meet their humanitarian needs and support those who have fled to neighboring countries.
The UN announced that both parties in the conflict have agreed to a meeting concerning humanitarian aid.
Half of Sudan's Population in Need
According to the UN, half of Sudan's population, approximately 25 million people, require humanitarian aid and protection. Over 1.5 million individuals have escaped to neighboring nations, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in a joint appeal with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, called for $2.7 billion to aid 14.7 million people within Sudan on Wednesday.
International Community Overlooking Sudan
Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, addressed diplomats at the UN headquarters in Geneva, stating, "The international community continues to overlook Sudan."
He highlighted the competitive nature of humanitarian work, where regions vie for attention and funding based on the severity of their suffering.
Aid for Neighboring Countries
The UNHCR has requested $1.4 billion to support nearly 2.7 million people in five countries bordering Sudan as part of this appeal.
Griffiths informed reporters that both warring sides have been invited to Geneva to discuss civilian access to aid, with an agreement in principle already in place and details of any meeting yet to be finalized.
Urgent Need for Action
Last year, less than half of the funding requested by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Sudan was met.
Griffiths emphasized the need for the international community to act with a heightened sense of urgency.
"We must not forget Sudan... That is the simple message I must convey today," Griffiths stated.
The ongoing conflict between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces, now in its tenth month, has devastated the country's infrastructure, leading to warnings of potential famine and the displacement of millions both within and outside Sudan.
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