Crisis in Sudan: What is happening and how to help

For the third year in a row, Sudan tragically tops the International Rescue Committee's Emergency Watchlist as the country most at risk of new or worsening humanitarian crises. Sudan's collapse is accelerating due to a catastrophic civil war that has had a devastating impact on civilians. Even before the war erupted in April 2023, the country was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis that left 15.8 million people in need of aid. Now, three years of war have drastically worsened these conditions, displacing over 14 million people and leaving 33.7 million people—two-thirds of the population—in need of humanitarian support. Sudan is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world in terms of number of people who need humanitarian aid. It is also the largest and fastest displacement crisis. The IRC urges immediate and sustained international action, including increased humanitarian funding, guarantees of safe passage for civilians and diplomatic pressure on all parties to prevent further loss of life and support pathways to peace. More than 150,000 people have been killed, with indiscriminate attacks on civilians being reported. Over 30 million people need humanitarian aid—Sudan accounts for 10% of global needs. More than half of Sudan's population, 28.9 million people, are now acutely food insecure, including over 10 million facing severe or extreme levels of hunger. The war has devastated the country's public infrastructure, including its health system. More than 70% of Sudan's hospitals have been destroyed, leaving millions without access to essential medical care as disease outbreaks surge.