The Sudan Humanitarian Crisis – And Why The World Cannot Look Away

As the world’s attention veers from one global crisis to the next, a hidden catastrophe is unfolding in northern Africa; the Sudan humanitarian crisis – an emergency so severe in its nature that it risks becoming one of the worst of our time.

It is estimated that over 18 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity, with more than 12 million forced from their homes since the start of the conflict in April 2023 – making Sudan home to the largest internal displacement crisis in the world.

What is happening in Sudan?

Since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the conflict has swept through communities and devastated critical infrastructure. Nearly 12m people have been forcibly displaced as of July 2025, with children dying of hunger and disease in displacement camps. But the most tragic element of this crisis is not just the scale of the suffering – it’s the response. Or lack of it.

Despite the enormity of the need, the global humanitarian response struggles on despite being dangerously underfunded. UNHCR’s health budget for Sudan has been slashed by 87% compared to 2024, forcing lifesaving medical services to close and severely restricting operations in high-risk areas. This time last year, it was estimated that less than 25% of health facilities in the worst affected areas like Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan were functional, with less than half functional in other regions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Cost of Inaction

Standing by while this dreadful emergency continues to worsen is simply not an option. With hospitals overwhelmed or simply shut, midwives are “scrambling” to ensure safe deliveries while also providing antenatal care and postnatal support. Alongside this, more than 7,700 cholera cases have been reported in Khartoum State alone since January 2025.

This is no short-term emergency – the Sudan humanitarian crisis has snowballed into what can now be considered one of the world’s fastest-growing and most complex displacement emergencies. One that is only getting worse.

And yet, with so many other global crises dominating headlines, the people of Sudan continue to suffer as attention focuses elsewhere. There is little-to-no coverage of their stories or their pain in UK media, and their urgent needs are simply being overlooked.

Support our Sudan Appeal this Summer

Amid these staggering needs, UNHCR continues to deliver shelter, medical care, clean water and essentials like cooking sets and hygiene kits. But it cannot do this without further urgent support.

Our Sudan Appeal this summer is a critical lifeline. Your donation, no matter how small, will help provide lifesaving support to those who need it most:

• £15 could provide 15 recycled sleeping mats to help refugees in need
• £30 could provide 38 jerry-cans to help refugee families carry and store clean water
• £150 could help provide essential items to a refugee family of five

The people of Sudan desperately need our help and every single donation counts. With traditional funding sources failing, individual action becomes more vital than ever. Our Sudan Summer Appeal hopes to support UNHCR’s already well-established operations across Sudan and its neighbouring countries, and we continue to call on all parties involved to stop the conflict so that Sudanese people can live in safety.

Donate Now and Help to Save Sudan

Sudan’s conflict may not dominate the evening news, but it is an emergency with the most dire consequences and so naturally demands our attention and our compassion.

Our mission remains steadfast and UNHCR will continue to support displaced people from Sudan for however long it takes; relief operations will not stop.

Will you help us respond to the world’s largest displacement crisis? Your donation will help deliver critical support to the Sudanese people. Donate here.

FAQs about the Sudan Humanitarian Crisis

Q: When did the Sudan crisis begin?

A: There has been violence in the country since the Darfur crisis in the first few months of 2023. The earliest clashes as a part of that crisis began on 15 April 2003 and conflict has continued ever since, with the humanitarian issues growing day by day.

Q: What is the cause of the crisis in Sudan?

A: Deadly armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and the resumption of inter-communal violence in the Darfur region have forced millions of people from their homes. Since the violence broke out on 15 April 2023, civilians have faced bombings, attacks, sexual violence, hunger and disease outbreaks, while millions of families have had to flee, many of them multiple times, in search of protection and assistance.

Q: How many people have been displaced from Sudan?

A: It is estimated that over 12 million people have been displaced, with approximately 9 million displaced within Sudan and the remaining 4 million refugees and refugee returnees.

Q: Where are Sudanese refugees fleeing to?

A: It is believed that 1 in 3 Sudanese residents have been forced to flee the country due to the conflict and worsening conditions, with most seeking refuge in neighbouring nations such as Egypt, Chad, South Sudan and Libya.