Humanitarian charities have sounded the alarm over Sudan’s civil war, as the government doubles its aid for frontline responders.
There is no end in sight as the conflict enters its fourth year, in what has been described as “the greatest humanitarian crisis of the 21st century” by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
At least 59,000 people have been killed, with millions displaced and at risk of famine. United Nations observers believe it shows the “hallmarks of a genocide”.
Around 34 million people are in need of assistance in the face of malnutrition, disease and sexual violence, as a result of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As Cooper headed to Berlin to discuss the crisis with international partners, she pledged a £146m funding package for Sudan this year. Of that, £15m will be dedicated for local frontline workers, a doubling of the previous amount, to assist in the hardest to reach areas.
Sam Bishop, communications director for World Vision, told Premier Christian News this was a welcome announcement from the foreign secretary, as both funding and access for workers are needed “in unison” for aid groups to be able to support.
“It's great to see her call for humanitarian access to be protected, because so often in these scenarios, humanitarian access is really under threat, the unacceptable deaths of aid workers is seen," he said.
“It’s the worst humanitarian crisis, and often doesn’t get the attention that a title like that probably deserves. It’s continuing in its fourth year, to be devastating for communities."
An estimated 17.3 million children are in need because of the war. Around 4.2 million children are expected to suffer from severe malnutrition this year, including more than 800,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition.
Women and girls have also been targeted by gender-based violence, and there is concern that they have been left vulnerable to physical and sexual assaults, while being displaced or responsible for collecting food and water.
A coalition of aid charities have called on the British government to use all of its diplomatic, political and economic influence to bring about a ceasefire and ensure life-saving support reaches those in need.
A petition has also been handed to the government, urging a renewed focus on ending the war. It has been signed by more than 44,000 people and backed by the Keep Eyes On Sudan coalition.
Bishop urged Christians to pray “for safe, humanitarian access” so aid charities “can continue to do God’s work and help the Sudanese people”.