EU boosts humanitarian aid for Sudan by €4 million

The new funding follows an increase in refugees from neighbouring South Sudan and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan.

"The humanitarian situation in Sudan is getting worse each day. In Darfur and in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States, 5.4 million people are in need of lifesaving aid. The increasing number of refugees from South Sudan makes the already fragile context even more difficult," said Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides.

"The EU is committed to help. Despite serious restrictions on humanitarian access, the EU has been relentlessly assisting those in need. It is vital that safer working conditions are assured for relief workers, allowing them to keep delivering lifesaving assistance," he added.

The aid will be used to meet people's most urgent needs, including food assistance, water, sanitation and health services.

Background

The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire following years of conflict, natural disasters and underdevelopment.

More than 10 years since the beginning of the Darfur conflict, the country remains gripped by violence and insecurity. It now counts over 3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). To make the situation worse, people suffer from high levels of malnutrition and lack both infrastructure and basic public services. About one fifth of Sudan's population, approximately 6.6 million people, is estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance.

Sudan has also seen an important influx of refugees since the conflict broke out in neighbouring country South Sudan in December 2013. Over the last months, the situation has been deteriorating further, with the number of South Sudanese people seeking refuge in the country now estimated at over 190 000.

The Commission's humanitarian assistance to Sudan amounts to over €200 million since 2011. It has provided lifesaving assistance to IDPs, refugees and people affected by disasters, by giving them food, shelter, and access to health, water and sanitation.