Australia Pledges Additional Humanitarian Aid to Sudan Amid Ongoing Crisis
The Australian government has pledged an additional $17 million AUD (approximately $11.04 million USD) in humanitarian assistance to Sudan, as the country continues to grapple with severe food shortages and widespread displacement amid ongoing conflict. The commitment, announced on Wednesday evening, brings Australia’s total humanitarian contribution to Sudan and neighboring countries to $50 million AUD (around $32.4 million USD) since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, emphasized that Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), more than 25 million people in Sudan are suffering from acute hunger.
In her statement, Minister Wong condemned the violence against civilians and aid workers in the region and called for all parties to come to an agreement on a permanent ceasefire. “The scale of the crisis in Sudan is staggering, and it is critical that the international community continues to respond with urgency,” she said.
The new aid package will support efforts to address the urgent food insecurity and humanitarian needs of millions of Sudanese affected by the ongoing conflict, which has displaced millions and exacerbated the dire conditions for many across the country.
Australia’s commitment to Sudan is part of a broader international response to the crisis, with various governments and organizations stepping up to provide critical assistance. This new funding underscores Australia’s ongoing support for humanitarian relief efforts and its determination to alleviate the suffering caused by the crisis in Sudan.
