In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the UK has announced a major increase in aid, pledging an additional £113 million to support over one million people affected by the conflict.
The new funding will directly assist 600,000 people inside Sudan and 700,000 refugees in neighbouring countries, including Chad and South Sudan, who have fled the ongoing violence. This package marks a significant step in addressing the worst humanitarian disaster in the region in decades.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the dire need for humanitarian access, stressing that “starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.” The UK’s call for unrestricted aid passage is critical, particularly through the Adre border crossing, which has been a lifeline for aid deliveries into Darfur.
The UK is using its position at the UN Security Council to push for a resolution that ensures the protection of civilians and the free movement of aid across borders.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused widespread suffering, leaving over 25 million people in urgent need of assistance.
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Famine conditions have spread across Darfur, with more than 500,000 people at risk of starvation. In addition to food and shelter, the UK’s aid package will provide medical assistance, water, sanitation, and education support to vulnerable communities.
The new funding follows previous contributions, including £15 million announced in August, and will bolster the efforts of UN and NGO partners already on the ground. The UK’s support extends beyond Sudan, aiding refugees in countries like Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and others. This aid will also help continue hosting refugees and offering psychosocial support and educational opportunities to children displaced by the violence.
Despite the severe challenges faced by humanitarian workers, including blocked access and risks to their safety, the UK is committed to ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s dedication, stating, “The UK will never forget Sudan.”
