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Caritas Internationalis Calls for Humanitarian Access in Sudan as Crisis Escalates

Credit: Caritas Internationalis
Sabrine Amboka

By Sabrine Amboka

Khartoum, 05 March, 2025 / 3:36 pm (ACI Africa).

Caritas Internationalis has raised alarm about the acute food shortage in Sudan as war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and appealed to the parties in the conflict to open the country to humanitarian access.

In statement that the development arm of the Catholic Church delivered at the ongoing 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the organization bemoaned the widespread hunger in the country, noting that tens of millions are experiencing food insecurity.

They said that the conflict, which has lasted nearly two years, has caused devastating effects on the population, particularly on women and children.

“We are deeply concerned regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been affecting millions of people, particularly women and children, for nearly two years,” Caritas Internationalis said at the UNHRC session that started on February 24, and is set to end on April 4.

It added, “The unrelenting conflict has led to widespread hunger, with nearly 25 million people facing acute food insecurity, and alarming levels of sexual violence. Humanitarian access challenges and safety of humanitarian personnel also contribute to exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.” 

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In the statement also signed by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and Act Alliance, Caritas Internationalis underlined the urgent need for “immediate unhindered and safe humanitarian access” across Sudan and its borders, as well as increased funding for local and national responders in the crisis.

It further called for “bold diplomatic efforts to end the violence” that has been going on for nearly two years.

Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 30 million people who occupy more than two-thirds of the population in need of aid due to economic collapse, soaring prices, and widespread food insecurity.

The UN has reported that acute hunger is worsening, with famine confirmed in several regions and expected to spread further. The conflict has crippled healthcare services, forced millions to flee their homes, and created one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with nearly nine million internally displaced and over three million refugees. 

In the statement published on Monday, March 3, Caritas Internationalis has expressed concern regarding the recent announcement of significant US aid cuts, noting that the move has catastrophic impact on Sudan and neighboring countries hosting Sudanese. 

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“The sudden reduction or elimination of these funds could have far-reaching consequences for the most vulnerable populations,” Caritas Internationalis says. 

The Catholic humanitarian organization has further appealed for “more assertive” international engagement in seeking diplomatic and inclusive peaceful solutions to the conflict in Sudan. 

It further calls on concerned parties in the Sudanese conflict to implement measures for the protection of women and children in the country.  

The organization has proposed that solutions be found to sustain and strengthen support for local NGOs and civil society organizations in Sudan, including women-led organizations, whose frontline efforts, Caritas Internationalis says, are vital for an effective humanitarian response.

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