Sudan emergency appeal
Since independence in July 2011, South Sudan has experienced internal conflict as well as violent clashes along its neighboring borders.
Caritas' response
Caritas Australia is providing humanitarian support to communities most at risk following South Sudan’s transition to independence.
We have helped deliver food and water programs, livelihood opportunities, access to health, sanitation and education, and peacebuilding initiatives to the most vulnerable South Sudanese communities. The capacity of local partner organisations has also been deliberately developed during this time.
Caritas Australia is implementing a range of short and long-term emergency assistance programs for at least 100,000 beneficiaries, including:
- Emergency shelter, food, blankets, cookware and mosquito nets for displaced families
- Water and sanitation training and infrastructure including water tanks, bore holes, latrines, and water purification tablets and filters
- Agricultural projects in drought affected communities
- Community-led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training
- Early warning infrastructure through the Catholic Radio Network.
Background
Decades of civil war in the Sudan killed approximately 2.5 million people and left another 5 million displaced. A referendum on independence was held in January 2011 and over 98 percent of the South Sudanese population voted to secede. Independence was officially announced in July 2011.
Although the initial transition to independence proceeded relatively smoothly, interethnic tensions and fighting in Sudan and along the border soon erupted. Fighting has forced more than 400,000 people from their homes and as many as 80,000 across the border. By December 2011, as many as 1,000 people were fleeing into South Sudan daily.
South Sudan is also fighting internal struggles against at least seven armed groups in nine of its ten provinces as well as incursions from neighbouring states.
How you can help
Donate
Your donation will help Caritas Australia provide short and long-term programs for vulnerable communities in South Sudan. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible. Donate now