CAFOD statement on UK aid package to Sudan

We welcome the announcement from the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, of this much-needed UK aid surge for the people of Sudan in what is the largest and most neglected humanitarian crisis of our time.

Kayode Akintola, CAFOD’s Head of Africa Region, said:

“Every day our team and local partners in Sudan deliver lifesaving aid in the face of a brutal and devastating conflict. They have built up trust with local traders to sustain food and other supplies when banks close. They do what they can to stay safe. But it's felt like the world's attention is elsewhere.

“People's lives are being lost in Sudan not just from military attacks, but also from the devastating impact of overwhelmed hospitals. With crops destroyed, supply chains broken and inadequate aid, severe malnutrition and starvation will spread. Cholera has spread rapidly, killing many because there are insufficient funds to ensure access to safe water and food for those displaced by the fighting.

“The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire situation. The people of Sudan are facing a complex humanitarian crisis where violence, disease and famine are claiming countless lives.

“We want to see more donor governments match this pledge. We also hope the UK will ensure these funds get to Sudanese community groups, such as the emergency response rooms and frontline responders working in the worst affected parts of the country that international agencies cannot reach.

“Local groups, like the ones that CAFOD supports, are the first responders working tirelessly to support those in the most urgent need. The international community needs to act in solidarity with them. They are the frontline keeping people alive. We should have their back. Aid agencies should be assessed by how effectively they support their efforts.”

We also support Mr Lammy’s draft resolution to the UN Security Council to push for the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage of aid into Sudan. As the war becomes more entrenched and polarising, the scope to get aid across the conflict lines becomes harder and harder, so cross-border aid is an essential lifeline. Neighbouring countries like South Sudan also urgently need help to support hundreds of thousands of refugees who have fled the violence in Sudan.

Notes to editors

1. More details of CAFOD’s work in Sudan

2. For more information, please contact:

• CAFOD Press Office: pressoffice@cafod.org.uk;

• Media Officer: Rosalind Mayfield - rmayfield@cafod.org.uk

3. CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.