Address by Commissioner Lenarčič at the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its Neighbours

Address by Commissioner Lenarčič

Minister Séjourné,

Minister Baerbock,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The conflict in Sudan has already broken all sorts of tragic records.

Today, 25 million people – half of Sudan's population – is in need of aid. Making it one of the worst disasters on the African continent.

The country also faces the world's largest displacement crisis. Nearly a quarter of the population have been forced to leave their homes.

And over 35% of Sudan's people face high acute food insecurity. Tragically, this includes nearly 3.7 million children under five.

Sudan is in a state of collapse. And it risks large scale famine. With over 600 children under five predicted to starve to death every day.

All this tragedy and destruction has occurred in just 12 months, mostly away from the spotlight of public attention. And with parties unwilling to negotiate peace, the situation is set to deteriorate further.

On top of this, international humanitarian law continues to be fully ignored. Making Sudan one of the world's worst protection emergencies.

We are witnessing an unconscionably high number of civilian casualties. Destruction of public infrastructure. And a dramatic shrinking of humanitarian space.

Women and girls increasingly face sexual and gender-based violence.

Up to 80% of Sudan's health facilities are unusable. With infectious diseases spreading.

And at least 22 humanitarian workers have been killed so far.

Meanwhile, obstructed humanitarian access is only deepening this emergency.

As bureaucratic and administrative impediments restrict the movement of humanitarian supplies and staff.

But it is not just Sudan that is affected by this crisis. Since the outbreak of conflict, 2 million people have been welcomed by neighbouring countries – in particular Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.

I thank these and all other countries sheltering Sudanese refugees.

Many of these countries are already facing emergencies of their own. The European Commission is already funding responses to these separate issues across the region.

But to achieve meaningful change for the people of Sudan, the international community must act as one. And must act now.

That is why this event is so important.

I will outline three actions we must take immediately.

First: we must pledge more funding for the people of Sudan.

I am proud to announce that this year the European Commission is pledging a total of over 215 million euros for the people of Sudan.

And, as this crisis spills over Sudan's borders, we are also pledging nearly 140 million euros to respond to the impact of this crisis in neighbouring countries.

Bringing our total pledge this year for Sudan and the region to nearly 355 million euros.

This sum goes towards both humanitarian aid and development support. Working towards sustainable solutions through humanitarian and development as well as peace efforts.

However, more funding for Sudan's crisis is urgently needed. I urge you to pledge generously today.

Second: we must demand greater respect for international humanitarian law.

This includes safe, unimpeded, and uninterrupted access for humanitarian operations. Guaranteed by all parties at all times.

In addition, all conflict parties must end bureaucratic obstacles. Allowing the unconditional, safe transportation of humanitarian supplies across conflict lines and international borders.

And third: we must bring Sudan to the attention of the world.

I believe, Minister Séjourné, Minister Baerbock, you have done exactly that with this conference.

Let us all seize this event as the opportunity to work towards peace and towards the alleviation of suffering in Sudan.

The people of Sudan rely on us. We cannot let them down.

Thank you.