The Sudanese people are currently facing the most severe humanitarian crisis on the planet, with the conflict and violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) causing widespread food insecurity, displacement and decimation of crucial infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools. Delivery of support and resources from global humanitarian organisations continues to be blocked, leaving over 20 million people in Sudan on the brink of catastrophic famine.
SIDA member British Red Cross is one of the few organisations able to continue operating in Sudan, and reports on the situation:
“Access for humanitarian aid remains a challenge because of security and administrative hurdles. Humanitarian organisations can work in Sudan but is limited by access constraints. Most order entries along the Chad border have been closed.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is able to operate a little better than most, thanks to community support for the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SCRS).
The SCRS continues to operate in most parts of the country. With help from the British Red Cross funding, the SRCS was able to reach 1,356 people with mosquito nets, 1,993 families with hygiene parcels and 725 families with water storage jerry cans.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) have reached 75,196 people with food security and livelihood support, 1,150 on health and nutrition information and 100,000 with community engagement interventions.”
Since the civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, millions of people have fled, with many arriving in South Sudan, putting a greater strain of the already thinly stretched resources. A number of SIDA members are providing support in South Sudan, and report on their ongoing work.
Oxfam has worked in South Sudan since 1983 and received £125,000 from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund. Along with high-profile emergencies, the Fund supports those, like the crisis caused by the conflict in Sudan, that unfold away from the world’s attention. The Fund is an important contribution at a time of intense levels of humanitarian need, driven by conflict and climate change, and with UN appeals just 30% funded.
To help people survive, in June of 2023, the Scottish Government provided essential funding to support Oxfam’s humanitarian response, which involves the distribution of cash support to more than 7,000 people. Nyakuma is one of those who have received a payment.
“I used (the money) to buy sorghum and other food stuff,” said Nyakuma, adding: “Our biggest challenge is food and medicine when a family gets sick. We get medical treatment here in the camp and if the drug is not there, then we buy it from outside the camp.”
Bee Roy, Head of Tearfund Scotland said:
“Tearfund has been working in South Sudan since the 1970s. For years, conflict and a changing climate have ravaged the area. As a result, extreme poverty continues to devastate and displace people and communities. People are losing homes and livelihoods.
At present our projects include providing food and livelihood support for vulnerable households, supporting malnourished children and their mothers, and helping conflict-affected communities access clean water and adequate sanitation.
An example of this is Mary from South Sudan. When Mary’s husband died and violent conflict stole everything from her, Tearfund’s training helped her stand up again.”
Please do read Mary’s story here.
“To support & enable Tearfund to continue this work, this summer, any donations made to our ‘South Sudan Appeal’ will be doubled by a group of generous supporters – up to £1 million. £26, doubled, could help train two people, like Mary, in new farming techniques so they can earn an income, helping themselves out of extreme poverty.” To take action and join Tearfund’s ‘South Sudan Appeal’ click here”
Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in South Sudan since 2008. Working with two partners, the Diocese of Rumbek and Mary Help Association, Mary’s Meals feeds more than 86,000 children in 133 schools.
There are currently 7.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance due to the current economic climate in South Sudan and more than one third of all children under five-years-old suffer chronic malnutrition. Over 70% of primary school-age children are out of school, the highest figure anywhere in the world and a stark reminder of the need for Mary’s Meals in South Sudan.
Christian Aid South Sudan is based in Juba, and works in partnership with South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC). Juan Racheal, Advocacy Coordinator at SSCC, speaks to the particular difficulties facing women in South Sudan:
“The situation in South Sudan for women has been marked by various challenges. Women in South Sudan have faced issues such as gender-based violence, conflict related sexual violence, limited access to education and healthcare, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes.
All these challenges have led to high level of trauma and a degrade in the mental health for many women. The country is experiencing communal conflicts, which has exacerbated these challenges and led to displacement and loss of livelihoods for many.
Regardless of this, women in South Sudan continue to play different roles in the transitional processes while amplifying their voices for peace and development. Women today in South Sudan succeeded in acquiring the 35% affirmative action which has encouraged women to participate in state building.”