Today [Sunday 17 November] the UK has announced an aid package
which will support more than one million people affected by the
devastating war in Sudan, providing vital aid for those in need.
The new £113 million aid package, which doubles the UK's aid
commitment to Sudan and the region this year, will assist over
600,000 people in Sudan and 700,000 people in neighbouring
countries who have fled the conflict, including Chad and South
Sudan.
During the Foreign Secretary's visit to the United Nations
Security Council tomorrow [Monday 18 November], he will call on
the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to keep the vital Adre border
crossing open indefinitely and for the removal of restrictions,
which have limited the amount of aid coming through it. The
Foreign Secretary will also call for the SAF and Rapid Support
Forces to stop blocking aid convoys.
After 18 months of violent conflict, Sudan is facing the worst
humanitarian crisis of the decade, with over 500,000 people in
Darfur in famine conditions. Over 11 million people are
displaced, 25 million are in desperate need of aid, and famine is
likely to spread.
The new funding package announced today will support UN and NGO
partners in providing food, cash, shelter, medical assistance,
water and sanitation.
Not only is this aid vitally needed, but it will also help people
to stay within their home region so they can return to their
homes when conditions allow.
Foreign Secretary said:
The brutal conflict in Sudan has caused unimaginable suffering.
The people of Sudan need more aid, which is why the UK is helping
to provide much-needed food, shelter and education for the most
vulnerable.
But we cannot deliver aid without access. Starvation must not be
used as a weapon of war and we can only stop this famine if every
border crossing and route is open, accessible and safe.
As the lead on Sudan in the UN Security Council, I will be using
the UK's Presidency on Monday to press for a resolution that
ensures the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage
of aid.
The UK will never forget Sudan.
At the UN, the Foreign Secretary will bring together
international partners to lead a discussion on steps to push the
warring parties to remove obstacles to humanitarian access.
Humanitarian workers face significant challenges delivering aid
to those most in need with instances of aid workers killed,
access being blocked by the warring parties, and UN workers
unable to move freely. The Adre border crossing re-opened in
August and offers a vital lifeline to allow aid to be delivered
from Chad into Darfur.
The Minister of State for Development said:
During my visit to South Sudan in August, I saw first-hand the
heart-breaking impact the violence is having on those fleeing the
conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening. Famine and disease
are spreading, and by next year, many more will be in desperate
need of aid.
We have to prevent further suffering by acting now. Support
announced today will reach over a million people, providing food
for some of those most in need and will assist neighbouring
countries to continue hosting refugees.
The UK has also introduced a new UN Security Council resolution
which will pressure the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid
Support Forces to protect civilians, deliver a ceasefire and
allow the safe passage of aid.
On 22 August, the UK Minister for Development, , announced £15 million to
support those fleeing violence in Sudan, including those
displaced to South Sudan and Chad.
Background
