The UK government announced more taxpayer-funded support for people in Sudan, including funding to UNICEF for emergency food assistance and support for survivors of gender-based violence
UK taxpayer-funded support includes food and water for 500,000 children under 5 as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis grows
the taxpayer-funding boost comes as the UK’s Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell visits the Chad-Sudan border, witnessing the crisis first-hand
the UK government again calls on the warring parties to commit to a lasting ceasefire and lift restrictions which are preventing aid reaching those who need it the most
The UK government has today implemented additional taxpayer-funded support for people in Sudan, 1 year on from the start of the conflict.
This will include funding to UNICEF which will provide emergency and life-saving food assistance to support people particularly in hard-to reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition, water and hygiene services for 500,000 children under 5. It will also support survivors of gender-based violence. The UK government is committing an additional £4.95 million of taxpayer money to provide 100,000 women and girls with a range of female genital mutilation, child marriage and gender-based violence prevention and response services.
The boost has been announced by the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, during a 2-day visit to Chad where he visited a site for refugees driven over the border into Chad by the violence.
In addition, the UK will be working with the World Food Programme to assist over 285,000 beneficiaries for 6 months by providing 13,405 tons of assorted food commodities. These include cereals, pulses, oils and salt.
It is part of a £89 million package the UK taxpayers will deliver in Sudan in 2024 to 2025 – up from nearly £50 million in the current financial year.
The conflict in Sudan has caused more than 8 million people to flee their homes, with over 6 million displaced within Sudan itself. After almost a year of conflict, 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. The UN has formally warned of the risk of famine in this year, with 18 million currently facing hunger in the country.
Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:
The conflict in Sudan is devastating lives. Millions are displaced and facing catastrophic hunger conditions. There is growing evidence of atrocities against civilians. The package announced today will help save lives. We have not forgotten the war in Sudan - nor must the world. The urgent priority is to end the violence.
Whilst in Chad, Minister Mitchell met with the President of the Transition, Mahamat Deby and Prime Minister Masra to underline UK support for peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections. They also discussed how the UK and Chad could work together towards peace in Sudan.