Joint Ministerial Statement Highlights Urgent Famine Risk in Sudan

Sudan is currently facing a critical decline in food security, with warnings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicating an imminent risk of famine in the upcoming months. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; immediate action is required to safeguard lives and avert a humanitarian disaster.

Approximately 19.5 million individuals, constituting 41% of Sudan’s population, are grappling with severe levels of acute food insecurity. This includes around 5 million people who are facing emergency levels of hunger. If swift measures are not taken to alter this concerning trend, projections suggest that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could surpass 825,000. Additionally, the number of areas experiencing food insecurity, initially identified as 14, is anticipated to double in the near future.

The Impact of Conflict on Food Security

The ongoing conflict in Sudan is the primary catalyst behind this escalating hunger crisis, resulting in the displacement of millions while severely damaging vital infrastructure. This has disrupted healthcare services, food production, supply chains, and local markets. The situation is further complicated by systematic restrictions on humanitarian aid and the adverse effects of El Niño, which has led to diminished rainfall and heightened drought conditions affecting over half of the country.

Those involved in the conflict hold a significant responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. It is imperative that all parties involved remove barriers to humanitarian assistance, facilitate safe and timely access for aid workers, and ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel. Should these barriers persist, the humanitarian response will struggle to effectively mitigate the risks of famine.

Calls to Action for Humanitarian Access

To address the crisis, we urge the parties to authorise humanitarian operations via all crossline and cross-border routes, including air access into Darfur. This would enable rapid deployment of aid and timely medical evacuations for aid workers. Furthermore, there must be a sustained presence and protection for humanitarian personnel across Sudan, which includes reducing delays in visa and customs processes, extending the duration of visas and travel permits, and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that slow down aid delivery.

It is also crucial to refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly agricultural and food systems, as these are vital for providing essential services to the civilian population. Strengthening civil-military coordination is necessary to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and the sites where they operate.

The Role of the International Community

In light of the impending famine, we call upon the international community to urgently increase funding to meet the rising needs and support initiatives ensuring that assistance reaches those who are most vulnerable. Development and financial institutions are encouraged to adapt their current programmes to address the food security crisis, focusing particularly on the areas in greatest need. Collective action is required without delay to avert famine, especially by supporting the winter cropping season and bolstering locally led responses.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and the humanitarian organisations that are tirelessly working under incredibly challenging circumstances to provide life-saving assistance.

Support from Global Leaders

A coalition of global leaders has expressed their commitment to addressing the crisis. Signatories include:

The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development of Australia; Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria; Minister Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium; and many others from various nations including Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Together, these leaders highlight the pressing need for concerted efforts to tackle the food security crisis in Sudan.