Caritas Australia has joined Caritas Internationalis and the ACT Alliance in sounding the alarm over the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where violence and hunger are devastating communities.
In a joint statement, Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance expressed “profound alarm at the grave and fast-deteriorating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan.”
“We are deeply disturbed by the reported atrocities in El Fasher, North Darfur, including mass killings and sexual violence. Civilians continue to live in terror as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces tear through their communities,” the statement said.
This echoes an urgent warning issued by the Catholic Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan on the 14th of November, with one Bishop saying “Do not forget Sudan. Hunger is killing us as surely as bullets. Speak for us. Make our suffering known.”
The scale of suffering in Sudan is unimaginable. Hospitals lie in ruins, homes are being deliberately attacked, and there are reports of aid workers and civilians being assassinated. It is now the largest humanitarian catastrophe in the world, with 12 million people displaced and in urgent need of life-saving assistance.
Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, warned:
“The international community must not look away from the desperate situation in Sudan where the bloodshed is so brutal and the crimes against humanity so numerous. All diplomatic channels must be used to broker a ceasefire and ensure that people are safe.”
Caritas Australia’s Humanitarian Manager, Sally Thomas, said:
“Our partners on the ground are doing everything they can, but the magnitude of need is overwhelming. We urgently need safe humanitarian access and a cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life.”
Caritas Australia joins the Caritas confederation and local partners and faith leaders on the ground in calling for:
-
Immediate cessation of hostilities
-
Protection of civilians, especially women and children
-
Safe humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers
-
Inclusive political dialogue supported by regional and international actors
-
Respect for humanitarian law
Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, CAFOD, NCA, local partners and local Caritas members are working together in Sudan. At the heart of the joint appeal is support to Sudanese civil society and mutual aid actors who are the backbone of the humanitarian response, aiding and bringing cohesion in their communities
To support Caritas Australia’s Sudan Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/sudan or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
The Sudan Crisis: A Mother's Story
Nadia, a mother from Sudan, shares her hope amid the crisis, saying "We trust in God to stop the war."
