The UK has implemented additional support for people in Sudan, 1 year after the start of the conflict. This will include funding to UNICEF which will provide emergency and life-saving food assistance to support people, particularly in hard-to-reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition, water, and hygiene services for 500,000 children under 5.
It will also support survivors of gender-based violence. The UK is committing an additional £4.95 million to provide 100,000 women and girls with a range of female genital mutilation, child marriage, and gender-based violence prevention and response services.
The boost has been announced by the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, during a 2-day visit to Chad where he visited a site for refugees driven over the border into Chad by the violence.
In addition, the UK will be working with the World Food Programme to assist over 285,000 beneficiaries for 6 months by providing 13,405 tons of assorted food commodities. These include cereals, pulses, oils, and salt.
It is part of a £89 million package the UK will deliver in Sudan from 2024 to 2025 – up from nearly £50 million in the current financial year.
The conflict in Sudan has caused more than 8 million people to flee their homes, with over 6 million displaced within Sudan itself. After almost a year of conflict, 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. The UN has formally warned of the risk of famine this year, with 18 million currently facing hunger in the country”.
Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said: ”The conflict in Sudan is devastating lives. Millions are displaced and facing catastrophic hunger conditions. There is growing evidence of atrocities against civilians. The package announced today will help save lives. We have not forgotten the war in Sudan – nor must the world. The urgent priority is to end the violence.
Whilst in Chad, Minister Mitchell met with the President of the Transition, Mahamat Deby, and Prime Minister Masra to underline UK support for peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections. They also discussed how the UK and Chad could work together towards peace in Sudan.