Former Sudanese PM Urges Increased Efforts to Aid Sudanese Refugees Amid Crisis

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk has called on governments hosting Sudanese refugees to ramp up their efforts to improve the humanitarian situation for these displaced individuals. Citing extreme destruction and human rights violations in Sudan, Hamdouk emphasized the urgent need for increased support.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has led to a severe war humanitarian crisis. Over 14,000 people have been killed, and nearly 25 million, more than half of Sudan's population, now require humanitarian assistance. The conflict has displaced more than 8.6 million people, with many lacking access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that $2.7 billion is needed to address the crisis in 2024, but only $145 million, about 5% of the required amount, has been raised so far. Several organizations, including the UNHCR, World Food Program, and Doctors Without Borders, are working to provide aid, but the funding shortfall remains a significant challenge.

In El Fasher, one of Darfur's largest cities, UN officials have described the situation as 'Hell on Earth,' warning of potential genocide crimes. The city has been under siege by the RSF, leading to mass displacement, famine, and severe human rights violations. 'I have never seen anything worse than the condition of mothers and orphaned children crying inside the hospitals in pain and agony,' said Jamal, a resident of El Fasher.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has far-reaching implications for regional and global stability, and it affects the lives of millions of people. If left unaddressed, it could lead to further displacement, violence, and human suffering, with potential consequences for international security and economic development.

The humanitarian crisis extends beyond Sudan's borders. Nearly 2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries since the conflict began, with approximately 600,000 seeking refuge in Chad. The UNHCR reports that 88% of these refugees are women and children, many of whom arrive with physical injuries and emotional trauma. Despite the urgent need, only $2 billion of the required $4.1 billion has been raised to support refugees and crisis response efforts in Sudan and neighboring countries, highlighting the need for increased support.

Hamdouk's appeal highlights the dire need for international cooperation and increased funding to address the humanitarian crisis. 'Families who have crossed the border into Chad have lost everything. They rely on relief assistance to cover their most basic needs. We call on the generosity of our donors to urgently cover the most critical gaps to protect and save lives,' said Laura Lo Castro, UNHCR's representative in Chad.

The international community faces significant challenges in providing adequate war support to Sudanese refugees. The funding model is criticized for being voluntary and unpredictable, often falling short of commitments made during pledging events. 'The amount of money that actually comes in is always less than what is committed at a pledging event,' noted Harpinder Collacott, executive director of Mercy Corps Europe.

The conflict's ongoing nature underscores the need for immediate and sustained humanitarian intervention grows more urgent. Hamdouk's call to action highlights the importance of global solidarity in addressing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

Key Takeaways

• 14,000 killed, 25 million need aid, and 8.6 million displaced in Sudan's humanitarian crisis.
• $2.7 billion needed in 2024, but only 5% ($145 million) raised so far.
• 2 million Sudanese refugees fled to neighboring countries, with 600,000 in Chad.
• 88% of refugees are women and children, many with physical and emotional trauma.
• $4.1 billion needed to support refugees and crisis response, but only $2 billion raised.