The UK’s Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, announced a contribution of two million pounds ($2.6 million) to support Sudanese refugees fleeing violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan.
Dodds allocated this funding for humanitarian response in the hard-to-reach Kufra region in eastern Libya, where the United Nations estimates that up to 45,000 refugees are in dire need of support.
According to the British news agency, Dodds stated in a release, “The United Kingdom is committed to providing life-saving aid to some of the most vulnerable in the world, including children, as they flee the violence in war-torn Sudan.” She added, “Together with our international partners, this support in Libya will provide water, health services, and essential sanitation and hygiene for these displaced refugees.”
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, the humanitarian situation has become dire, with millions displaced and seeking refuge both within and outside the country. The conflict has led to a significant refugee crisis, with numerous Sudanese fleeing to neighboring countries and beyond due to violence and instability.
As of April 2024, over 8.6 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in Sudan. This includes more than 6.6 million people displaced within Sudan and over 2 million who have fled to neighboring countries. The largest number of refugees have sought shelter in Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.
The displaced populations are facing acute shortages of essentials like food, water, and healthcare, compounded by the destruction of infrastructure and a lack of adequate international aid. The situation has particularly severe implications for vulnerable groups such as women and children, who are at heightened risk of gender-based violence and other forms of exploitation.
Countries like Egypt and South Sudan, which have received large numbers of refugees, are under tremendous strain to provide basic services and support to the influx of displaced persons. These challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing rainy season, which increases the risk of diseases such as cholera and complicates the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
