Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 September 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 September 2024. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sudan: Humanitarian Situation

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking alongside international partners to address what on 9 September the World Health Organisation called the "extreme health and humanitarian crisis" in Sudan.

Answer: The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has created a humanitarian disaster in Sudan, with over 9 million people facing emergency or famine like conditions. On 1 August, the Foreign Secretary tweeted to highlight the findings of the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC) that famine existed in Northern Darfur's Zamzam IDP camp, and there was a high likelihood of its presence elsewhere. He also reiterated that the use of starvation as a weapon of warfare is a war crime. On 6 August, the UK, as United Nations Security Council (UNSC) penholder on Sudan, called an urgent Council session to discuss the FRC's findings. On 22 August, the Minister for Development announced an additional £15 million of vital assistance to Sudan, South Sudan and Chad to support vulnerable people forced to flee violence and seek safety. This brings the UK's ODA for Sudan this year to £97 million, most of which is vital humanitarian assistance.

Secondary information