As Sudan marks the third anniversary of a brutal and devastating conflict, Caritas is urging Catholics in Australia and around the world to stand in prayer and solidarity with the millions of people whose lives have been torn apart by violence, hunger, and displacement.
Since fighting erupted in April 2023, Sudan has descended into what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises, with civilians, and especially children, paying an unbearable price. More than 25 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance, with millions forced from their homes and entire communities struggling to access food, clean water, and healthcare.
Despite the worsening violence, Sudan has slipped from global headlines, even as needs continue to grow and humanitarian funding is cut back.
“At its heart, this is a story about people, of mothers, fathers and children, who are enduring unimaginable hardships” said Dan Skehan, Programs Director at Caritas Australia. “Our faith teaches us that as members of one human family and one body in Christ, we are bound to one another. When our brothers and sisters in Sudan suffer, we are called not to look away, but to respond with love, generosity, and prayer.”
For three years, Caritas Australia and its local partners have continued to walk alongside communities in Sudan, offering practical support and hope in the darkest of circumstances.
Working through trusted local organisations Caritas prioritises listening to communities and strengthening local leadership.
This response reflects the Church’s mission to uphold the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable, through:
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
For Amna, a mother living in a displaced persons camp in Tawila, North Darfur, support from Caritas became a sign of hope when her family had none.
“When the conflict erupted the outpatient treatment center was closed for several months, and there was no food and medicine. The children suffering from malnutrition had nowhere to go.”
Her daughter, just three years old, was suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Weak and unable to stand, her life was in danger.
Through local organisation SAHARI and Caritas Australia’s partner organisation CAFOD, community volunteers visited homes in the camp and identified children most at risk.
Amna’s daughter was referred to a newly established nutrition centre, where she received lifesaving care. After three months of treatment, her condition improved. The circumference of her upper arm had grown from 10cm to 11.5cm, with her treatment ongoing until it reaches 12.5cm. Already, Amna has seen her daughter begin to regain strength, stand on her own, and take steps on her own 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.”
As Sudan enters a fourth year of conflict, Caritas is calling on the global community, and especially those of faith here in Australia, to respond with compassion, generosity, and urgency.
“Three years on, the people of Sudan are still waiting for peace,” Dan Skehan said. “Until that day comes, the Church must continue to walk with them, offering hope, dignity and love in action.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Sudan Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/sudan or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
You can also Run for Sudan with Caritas Australia at City2Surf 2026 by signing up at https://city2surf26.grassrootz.com/caritas-australia
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
