Famine. Sexual violence. Disease.
Hospitals destroyed. Schools closed. Civilians trapped.
Families forced to flee. Children at risk.
As Sudan marks three years since the outbreak of a brutal and devastating conflict, we stand in solidarity with millions of people whose lives have been torn apart. As the conflict enters its fourth year, more families are being pushed deeper into one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies.
Since fighting erupted in April 2023, Sudan has descended into what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, with children paying an especially unbearable price. Today, more than 25 million people need humanitarian assistance. Millions have been forced from their homes, while entire communities struggle to access necessities, including food, clean water and healthcare.
Despite the scale of suffering, Sudan has slipped from global headlines. As needs continue to grow, humanitarian funding has been cut back, leaving families at even greater risk.
“At its heart, this is a story about people, mothers, fathers and children, who are enduring unimaginable hardships. Our shared humanity binds us together. When people in Sudan are suffering, we cannot look away. We are called to respond with compassion, generosity and action.”
One shared planet, one shared responsibility
In moments of profound crisis, perspective matters. Recently, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen reflected on what it means to see Earth from space, and the clarity that view brings. From that distance, borders disappear, and what remains is the understanding that we are all part of one human family.
“We live on a fragile planet… We are very fortunate to live on Earth… and our purpose as humans is to find the joy in lifting each other up. By creating solutions together instead of destroying… Seeing Earth from out here absolutely reaffirms that.”
That perspective underscores the reality facing Sudan today. This crisis is not distant or abstract. It is a shared responsibility, and a test of our collective compassion.
Image credit: NASA
Walking alongside communities
Caritas Australia and our local partners have continued to walk alongside communities in Sudan for many years, providing practical support in the darkest of circumstances.
Working through trusted local organisations, we prioritise listening to communities and strengthening local leadership. This locally led approach ensures that assistance is responsive, dignified and grounded in the real needs of people on the ground.
Our partners on the ground in Sudan are providing lifesaving support, including:
Care for malnourished children and support for families facing hunger
Clean water, sanitation and hygiene services to prevent disease and protect health
Healthcare, including support during cholera and dengue outbreaks
Protection of women and girls, including safe spaces and psychosocial support
Cash assistance to help displaced families meet their most urgent needs
Behind these responses are real people whose lives have been changed by compassion in action.
Amna's story
For Amna, a mother living in a displacement camp in North Darfur, support from our local partners became a lifeline.
“When the conflict erupted, the outpatient treatment centre was closed for several months,” Amna said. “There was no food and no medicine. Children suffering from malnutrition had nowhere to go.”
Amna’s three-year-old daughter was suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Weak and unable to stand, her child’s life was in danger.
Through the local organisation SAHARI and our partners on the ground CAFOD, trained community volunteers visited homes throughout the camp, identifying children most at risk. Amna’s daughter was referred to a newly established nutrition centre, where lifesaving care began.
Amna’s three-year-old daughter was suffering from severe acute malnutrition before receiving lifesaving support.
After three months of treatment, Amna’s daughter’s condition improved. The circumference of the upper arm grew from 10 centimetres to 11.5 centimetres, with treatment continuing until it reaches a healthy 12.5 centimetres. The 3-year-old girl has begun to regain strength, standing independently and taking first steps once more.
“For us, this is not just a project,” Amna said. “It is saving lives. Before, there was nothing. Now our children are cared for, fed and treated with dignity.”
A call to compassion and urgency
As Sudan enters a fourth year of conflict, the daily struggle for survival continues for millions of families. While peace remains elusive, the need for global solidarity has never been greater.
“Three years on, the people of Sudan are still waiting for peace,” Kirsten Sayers, CEO of Caritas Australia, said. “Until that day comes, we must continue to stand with them, supporting communities, protecting dignity and responding to urgent needs.”
Today, we call on the global community, and Australians in particular, to respond with compassion, generosity and urgency. Advocacy and practical support play a vital role in ensuring that communities in Sudan are not forgotten.
Please support families living in crisis today.
You can also stand in solidarity by Running for Sudan with Caritas Australia at City2Surf 2026.
Together, we can continue to stand with the people of Sudan and work towards a future of peace and dignity for all.
