Sudan Crisis – Regional Humanitarian Response – International Committee of the Red Cross 2023

July 2023 – On April 15 2023 armed clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces leading to mass displacement within and outside Sudan. This conflict has resulted in significant protection violations and a lack of access to basic food water health nutrition and other services for vulnerable people. The clashes have increased humanitarian needs within Sudan and its neighbouring countries many of which had been experiencing protected crises before the outbreak of this conflict. The primary mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is to help protect the lives and dignity of people affected by conflict and other violent situations. The ICRC assists and works to prevent further suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. The ICRC works with local Red Cross and Red Crescent national society staff and volunteers to implement its protection and assistance programmes worldwide. With the support of GAC and other donors the ICRC’s humanitarian operations aim to provide protection emergency relief and other essential services to people affected by armed conflict and other violent situations. It also seeks to promote respect for international humanitarian law. This project supports the ICRC’s response to the needs of vulnerable people affected by conflict in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries. Project activities include: (1) protecting and assisting people affected by conflict and violence through providing medical care income support and food assistance; (2) ensuring the respect of international humanitarian law in treating civilians not participating in hostilities and detainees; (3) promoting humanitarian principles of neutrality impartiality and independence among all stakeholders; and (4) participating with all stakeholders in negotiating safe access to populations in need.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to protection food assistance health services and other essential services for people affected by the armed conflict in Sudan; (2) increased awareness of all parties of international humanitarian law (IHL) and humanitarian principles; and (3) increased operational capacities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.