Jersey Gives £150,000 To Sudan

Wednesday, 14 June 2023 17:45

Jersey Overseas Aid has pledged £150,000 to Sudan to help those affected by the ongoing conflict in Khartoum.

It is estimated around 24.7 million people need humanitarian support, in Sudan, following clashes Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This is an almost 60% increase from the start of the year.

Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Chair of the JOA Commission, says she is deeply saddened that conflicts are continuing.

"In the early weeks of fighting, it was incredibly difficult for humanitarian agencies to get support to those who needed it."

"There have been widespread reports of attacks on healthcare facilities, including the burning down of a factory that produces vital supplies for the treatment of malnourished children in Khartoum."

Half of the donation will go to the United Nations' Refugee Agency and the other £75,000 will go to CARE International.

More than 1.4 million people have left their homes and 450,000 have fled to surrounding areas in Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, CAR and Ethiopia.

The money donated to the UN will go towards providing support for the neighbouring countries hosting the rising number of displaced people.

CARE International, however, will continue to work within Sudan as it focuses on helping health, nutrition and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence.

"Although access has now improved, many humanitarian agencies were forced to suspend operations in April and early May following the targeting and killing of aid workers."

"As a consequence, there are now gaps in the current response across all areas and a need to urgently scale-up support."