Oxfam slams underfunding at Sudan humanitarian conference

April 16, 2024 (PARIS) – An international aid agency has slammed the outcome of the Paris conference in which donors pledged over 2 billion Euros to aid Sudan, a country ravaged by war for a year.

This conference brought together ministers and representatives of 58 States, including neighbouring countries and the region, as well as donors and representatives of regional organizations such as the African Union, the IGAD and the League of Arab States, the UN Envoy for Sudan and UN agencies.

Reacting to the conference on Sudan, Oxfam International said the funding pledges are insufficient to address the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

While $2 billion was promised, Oxfam’s Africa Director, Fati N’Zi Hassane, criticized it as “less than half” of the $4.1 billion urgently needed.

This shortfall, she argues, demonstrates a “disregard for the lives” of millions suffering in Sudan and neighbouring countries.

“Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan – some of the world’s most fragile states – are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” said Hassane.

She added, “They’ve welcomed refugees despite their own desperate situations. Without immediate funding, their ability to respond will collapse.”

In Chad, Oxfam said, the number of needy people has risen, but the response plan is only 25% funded, while in Ethiopia, only 23% of the Sudan refugee response needs are reportedly met, leaving critical services suspended.

In South Sudan, millions require aid, including over 1.6 million children at risk of malnutrition.

Oxfam, in the statement, further emphasized the underfunding within Sudan itself, where only 3.1% of the $2.7 billion appeal has reportedly been secured.

The international charity urged donors and the international community to act swiftly and decisively to provide life-saving aid, while also calling for a ceasefire from warring parties to allow for unimpeded humanitarian access.

The conflict in Sudan has caused nearly 9 million people to flee their homes, according to the UN, amid concerns that 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country remains on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis.

The UN warned of the risk of famine this year, with 18 million already facing hunger.

(ST)