UN Appeals for $6 Billion to Alleviate Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for $6 billion in international aid to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. This request, announced on February 17, 2025, represents a significant 40% increase from the previous year’s appeal, underscoring the escalating severity of the crisis.
Over the past 22 months, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This protracted war has led to the displacement of approximately 20% of the nation’s population and has plunged nearly half of its citizens into severe hunger. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread reports of sexual violence and the alarming rise in child casualties. Famine conditions have been officially declared in at least five regions, including several displacement camps in Darfur.
U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described the crisis as a “humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions.” He emphasized the multifaceted nature of the catastrophe, highlighting the concurrent issues of famine, sexual violence, and the targeting of children. The collapse of basic services, coupled with ongoing hostilities, has created an environment where the suffering of the Sudanese people continues to intensify.
The urgency of the appeal is amplified by recent attacks on humanitarian facilities. Notably, the RSF has been accused of hindering the delivery of essential aid to famine-stricken areas, particularly in Darfur. These actions have severely impeded relief efforts, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary support.
The $6 billion sought by the U.N. aims to provide life-saving assistance to nearly 21 million people within Sudan, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response plan globally for 2025. However, this appeal comes at a time when global aid budgets are under significant strain.
Recent funding cuts, including a pause in contributions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last month, have adversely affected life-saving programs worldwide. This financial shortfall poses a substantial challenge to mobilizing the necessary resources to address the crisis in Sudan effectively.
The international community’s response to this appeal will be critical in determining the trajectory of Sudan’s humanitarian situation. Without immediate and substantial support, the conditions are poised to deteriorate further, leading to increased loss of life and prolonged suffering for millions of Sudanese citizens.