UN seeks $4.2 billion in aid as humanitarian crisis worsens in Sudan

January 2, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The United Nations appealed for $4.2 billion in aid for Sudan on Sunday, warning that the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels after more than 20 months of conflict.

More than half of Sudan’s population, including 16 million children, now requires urgent humanitarian assistance, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami said.

“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached unprecedented proportions,” Nkweta-Salami said in a statement announcing the launch of the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP).

Acute food insecurity has reached historic levels, particularly in conflict-affected regions of Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan, she said.

Ongoing fighting, attacks on civilians, displacement, hunger, malnutrition, disease and climate shocks have left nearly two-thirds of the population in need of aid.

The UN called for urgent de-escalation of the conflict and unrestricted humanitarian access, including across borders and conflict lines.

“We call on all parties to facilitate this access and ensure the protection of humanitarian operations and aid workers on the ground,” Nkweta-Salami said.

The UN also urged the international community to provide immediate funding.

“This support is crucial for scaling up and expanding the reach of critical lifesaving aid, including cash assistance, and protection services,” Nkweta-Salami said.

The 2025 HNRP is based on an analysis of humanitarian needs caused by conflict, floods and disease outbreaks.