The war in Sudan receives little attention compared to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, but the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the African country is enormous, and time to avert a catastrophe is quickly running out.

Sudan is facing a humanitarian disaster of enormous proportions. The conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary force RAF (Rapid Support Forces) has led to an escalation of violence, massive displacement of people and an acute food security crisis. More than 26 million people are now facing acute hunger, and the situation is worsening daily. The eastern and central parts of the country are ravaged by a cholera outbreak . Of the nearly eleven million displaced, more than half are children. Many of these are orphans and vulnerable to violence and abuse.

Church's emergency response and Caritas has worked extensively with local partners in Sudan and sees the human suffering and the great needs for aid on a daily basis. The conflict is also affecting neighboring countries. For example, 36,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Uganda since January, putting great pressure on an already underfunded refugee response.

Two of the world's largest faith-based humanitarian networks, Caritas Internationalis and ACT Alliance, are now joining forces in a call for help for Sudan. This call for help is addressed to the whole world, but as part of the Sudan Troika, together with the UK and the US, Norway has a special responsibility. Caritas Norway and the Church emergency response therefore calls on the Norwegian authorities to take a leading role in handling the crisis, not least through the UN General Assembly.

Increased funding for life-saving aid, as well as long-term measures: Norway must increase its financial support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan. Current funding is far from sufficient to meet the enormous needs. We call on Norway to contribute significantly to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan, which is currently underfunded.

We request the following measures:

• Increased funding for life-saving aid, as well as long-term measures: Norway must increase its financial support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan. Current funding is far from sufficient to meet the enormous needs. We call on Norway to contribute significantly to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan, which is currently underfunded.
• Strengthening international support and solidarity for local frontline responders: Local organizations and community-based groups are the first to respond in times of crisis. Norway should increase its support to these actors, including through capacity building and direct funding. This will ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, as quickly as possible.
• Diplomatic action to promote humanitarian access and protection of civilians: Norway must use its diplomatic influence to push for humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Sudan. This includes working for an immediate ceasefire, as well as working to put in place a political solution that is acceptable to all parties and therefore has the potential to last.

Sudan is in a critical situation, and the time for action is now. We call on the Norwegian authorities to show leadership in the international humanitarian response.

The post is signed by Ingrid Rosendorf Joys, Secretary General of Caritas Norway and Dagfinn Høybråten, Secretary General of the Church emergency response , and is also published in Dagsavisen .