Media release | Friday, 12 April 2024
Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the conflict in Sudan on Monday 15 April, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is calling on the Australian Government to provide $50 million in new and additional funding to the humanitarian catastrophe occurring in Sudan and the region.
More than 25 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Ten million children in Sudan have been in an active warzone during almost a year of war, with 2.9 million acutely malnourished and 17.7 million people face acute food insecurity. Across the region, 8.2 million Sudanese are now displaced in neighbouring countries that already face development and humanitarian challenges.
There have been reports of widespread and systematic sexual violence, indiscriminate attacks against civilians, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arms trafficking and more.
Australia’s peers have recognized the urgency and scale of this crisis. The European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany having all committed more than $160m each to the Sudan response, compared to Australia’s $20.45 million to date.
ACFID Humanitarian Advisor Naomi Brooks said:
“The majority of the Humanitarian Emergency Fund of $150m in this financial year has been spent. This is why on behalf of its members, ACFID is calling for the HEF to be doubled in the May budget, to meet the growing need globally of people requiring humanitarian assistance.”
“ACFID members stand ready to respond in Sudan and significantly scale up their response.
“We know the HEF is nearly emptied out. The Australian Government must step up with new and additional humanitarian funding that this crisis so urgently requires.
“Otherwise, Australia risks falling out of step with its allies. It is vital the government looks beyond its immediate region to foster global peace and security and use all diplomatic measures available to cease the conflict in Sudan.”
The aid & humanitarian sector is working to offer assistance and protection to affected people and communities. ACFID continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities, to uphold international law and protect civilians, including health and humanitarian aid workers.
