Ireland will provide €8.5 million in humanitarian support for Sudan this year, it was announced at a UN pledging conference in Geneva. The pledge was made in response to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the country. Since the conflict erupted in April, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan has surged to 24.7 million with 1.9 million people displaced.
Ireland’s contribution of €8.5 million in 2023 will deliver humanitarian support to people in Sudan, as well as Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, through bodies including the UN, International Red Cross, and Irish NGOs.
The contribution includes over 50 tonnes of emergency supplies from Ireland’s humanitarian stocks which were flown into South Sudan to support those fleeing the conflict in Sudan. The airlift is worth over €500,000 and consists of 200 tents, 5,000 thermal blankets, 5,000 water jerry cans, 2,000 solar lamps, 2,000 hygiene kits, 1,000 kitchen sets, and 1,700 mosquito nets. The items will be distributed by Irish Aid partner, Goal, to support at least 5,000 people in Renk, South Sudan. The items were carried on two flights, which left the UN’s Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Accra, Ghana.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin T.D. said: “The worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan is deeply concerning. The current conflict has displaced almost two million people and is causing immense suffering. We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and guarantee full, safe, and unfettered humanitarian access in line with International Humanitarian Law. It is imperative that the international community respond to the suffering in Sudan. Ireland will continue to work with partners to meet the needs of those affected by the conflict and to promote a return to the democratic transition that is vital for Sudan’s future.”
Minister for International Development, Sean Fleming T.D., said: “Sudan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis before the recent outbreak of hostilities. The conflict has led to millions of people being unable to provide for themselves. It is also worsening the situation in neighbouring countries, who are trying to support thousands of displaced Sudanese while also facing severe droughts and other challenges themselves. The response to this crisis has to be a regional one. Ireland recently pledged nearly €20m to support efforts to avert famine in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. This is in addition to total direct assistance of €100m to countries across the region, including Sudan, in 2022.”
