Dóchas says an immediate and sustained ceasefire must be prioritised to help bring about the end to the brutal conflict in Sudan, which began three years ago today.
The conflict is the biggest humanitarian crisis on the planet, with more than 33 million people, more than two thirds of the population, needing humanitarian assistance according to the latest UN figures. Nearly 13 million people are displaced.
Humanitarian organisations are doing all they can to help in the country and in neighbouring countries, but the needs are staggering.
The suffering in Sudan comes as new OECD figures show an historic decline in Official Development Assistance. Overall there has been a 9.9% drop from EU Member States and 13% drop from EU institutions. That is the biggest cut in a decade. ODA globally is on a downward spiral, and the countries most in need were also most affected by ODA cuts globally. OECD predictions for the coming years are equally negative. Trends suggest that Ireland’s percentage of ODA spending has dropped when compared to 2024.
Dóchas, the Irish Network of Humanitarian and Development Organisations, is calling on the Irish Government to ensure it does all that it can to mobilise political pressure to agree a ceasefire, scale up aid to the region, and ensure the respect for international humanitarian law and minimum humanitarian standards.
Commenting on the third anniversary of the conflict, Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said:
“The horrendous conflict in Sudan has already gone on for three years. It is three years too long. The world needs to stand up and bring an end to the fighting that is having such a catastrophic impact on Sudan’s population.
The numbers in Sudan are staggering. According to the UN more than 13 million people are displaced, including 4.5 million outside the country. 29 million people are struggling to get food, and famine has been declared in a number of places. 33 million people need humanitarian assistance, more than two thirds of the population.
Sudan is a microcosm of the issues facing the world today; an horrendous conflict that is destabilising a region. It comes at a time when there is an historic decline in Official Development Assistance. The world is stepping back when it must step forward.
Ireland is one of few countries that has increased its ODA, and that is welcome. But we, and the world, must do more to help countries like Sudan.“