Reaction to Paris pledging conference for Sudan and its neighbors
A year on, the war in Sudan continues to rage. Despite the magnitude of the crisis, funding for Sudan and its neighbours remains critically low. Photo Credit: Fatuma Noor/ Oxfam
Reacting to the outcome of the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its neighbors, held in Paris today, at which countries pledged a total of $2 billion – Oxfam in Africa Director Fati N’Zi Hassane said:
“This meeting was an opportunity to turn the tide for Sudan and its four neighbours. Once again, the leaders have demonstrated a disregard for the lives of those in Sudan and its neighbours as they pledged less than half of the $4.1 billion needed to assist over 14.7 million people in Sudan and millions more suffering in host countries.
“It is morally incomprehensible that Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan – among the world's 13 most fragile states –bear the brunt of Sudan’s conflict while the richest nations slack.
“Ongoing conflict and hunger have already pushed millions across those countries to the brink. They have welcomed people fleeing the Sudanese conflict despite, the already desperate situation at home. Without an immediate influx of funds, their capacities to respond will be at breaking point.”
“Despite some progress, this conference has largely failed to meet the enormous needs. But it is not too late to act. The impending crisis is clear, and swift, coordinated action is key to saving lives. Leaders must also ensure that there is an immediate cessation of hostilities and implement concrete measures to address the unfolding catastrophe.”
Fatuma Noor: Fatuma.noor@oxfam.org
Simon Trepanier: simon.trepanier@oxfam.org
- The 2023 humanitarian response plan (HRP) for Chad has seen the increase of the number of people in need from 6.9 million to 7.6 million, but it is only a quarter funded. Part of the funding destined for the country’s existing internal crises has been redirected to eastern Chad to respond to the refugee crisis.
- In Ethiopia, only 23 per cent of requirements for the Sudan refugee response had been covered as of October 2022, leaving a funding gap of about $70 million. The lack of funding has pushed many partners to suspend essential services.
- The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan indicates that 9 million people will need humanitarian aid in South Sudan including more than 1.6 million children who are at risk of acute malnutrition.
- Only 7 per cent of the requirements outlined in the 2024 Regional Refugee Response plan for Sudan has been met.
- The 2024 Sudan Humanitarian Need and Response plan requires US$2.7 billion to provide life-saving and protection assistance to 14.7 million people across Sudan in 2024. So far, the appeal is 3.1 per cent funded.
