Caritas Australia is calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan, as escalating violence in Al Fasher and across the country pushes millions further into crisis.
Sudan is now home to the world’s largest displacement emergency, with over 9 million people forced from their homes and an additional 3 million having fled to neighbouring countries. Famine has also been declared in various parts of the country, with over 30 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance.
The situation in North Darfur is especially dire following the takeover of the capital Al Fasher in late October 2025, resulting from a siege that began 18 months ago. Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the city without access to food, clean water, or medical care.
Those that flee risk being targeted in mass killings, with 460 people killed on October 28th following an attack on a maternity hospital where medical staff were also kidnapped for ransom.
Women and girls in particular face extreme risks, including gender-based violence, sexual violence, exploitation, and loss of access to essential services. Protection systems have collapsed, and safe spaces are increasingly difficult to maintain.
“This is a moment for compassion and action,” said Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia. “The suffering in Sudan is immense, and yet it is barely visible in global headlines. Our partners are doing everything they can, but the needs are overwhelming, and the response is critically underfunded.”
Caritas Australia’s partners - Caritas Sudan, CAFOD, and Norwegian Church Aid - are delivering lifesaving support in some of the hardest-hit areas, including North Darfur, Gedaref, White Nile, North Kordofan, River Nile, and Khartoum. This includes:
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Emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services to prevent cholera and ensure access to clean water, including water trucking and hygiene promotion.
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Safe spaces and psychosocial support for women and girls affected by violence, including case management and dignity kits.
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Multi-purpose cash assistance to help displaced families meet urgent needs, reaching over 16,000 individuals.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian access is increasingly restricted due to roadblocks and visa delays. The withdrawal of key donors following global aid cutbacks has also left critical gaps in funding, forcing agencies to scale back even as needs grow.
“We are inspired by the resilience of our partners and the communities they serve,” said Sally Thomas. “In the face of unimaginable hardship, they are continuing to deliver life-saving aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
Caritas Australia is urging the Australian Government and international donors to increase humanitarian funding, support protection services for women and children, and ensure safe access for aid workers.
To support Caritas Australia’s Sudan Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/sudan or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
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Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
