Conflict has broken out in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and thousands of civilians have been caught up in the violence. Families are running out of food, water and medicine as the conflict continues, and many have risked fleeing their homes and becoming refugees to escape the fighting.

Hundreds of people have been killed, and many thousands more have been wounded by the fighting. About 16,000 people have crossed the border into Chad and South Sudan to flee the violence. 

"We pray for all of the people who have been impacted by the fighting in Sudan, especially those who have lost their lives, their homes or their loved ones during this crisis," said Melville Fernandez, Caritas Australia's Humanitarian Emergencies Associate Director.

"We have worked hand-in-hand with local communities around the world for decades, and now, as ever, the safety and wellbeing of people remains our priority. We will continue to support and pray for the protection of all the people who have been caught up in this conflict, and for the families who will suffer because they cannot access their basic needs during the fighting. We pray for an end to hostilities, and advocate for unimpeded humanitarian access to protect the most vulnerable during this time."

Caritas Australia's partner CAFOD has been working in Sudan since the 1970s, and Caritas Australia has been supporting CAFOD with programs for refugee and host communities in Sudan to support WASH facilities, safe fuel and energy sources for cooking, dignity kits and life skills training for women and girls. 

"We are hearing from CAFOD's Head of Africa, Kayode Akintola, that even in the midst of all this violence, communities are helping one another. People are sharing food supplies. People are wanting to share what they have, and we pray that peace comes soon," said Mr Fernandez.