Sudan’s humanitarian crisis: A call for global action

Sudan is burning. Again. The horrors unfolding there should shake the conscience of the world, yet they are met with deafening silence and insufficient action. Genocide - a term so often misused - is tragically apt in describing the systematic slaughter of ethnic groups by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias. Nations across the globe have shown flashes of leadership, but the collective international response remains woefully inadequate in addressing one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time.

The Sudan crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated global action. The international community must prioritize addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and supporting the millions of displaced and vulnerable Sudanese citizens.

The scale of the crisis in Sudan is staggering. More than 12 million people have been displaced from their homes, with nearly half the population—about 25 million—requiring life-saving humanitarian aid. The healthcare infrastructure has collapsed, with up to 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas no longer functional. Food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels, with over 750,000 people on the brink of famine. Reports from aid organizations reveal that famine-induced child mortality rates in some areas have reached nearly 12 deaths per day.

As a recent UN assessment put it, “Sudan faces the worst levels of food insecurity in its history.” The humanitarian appeal for the country remains only 60% funded, leaving millions in desperate need. “More than 8.5 million people are reaching emergency levels of hunger,” warned the UN-supported Famine Review Committee, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict.

International aid efforts have been hampered by logistical challenges, bureaucratic delays, and targeted attacks on humanitarian workers. The RSF’s occupation of Sudan’s agricultural heartland has devastated food production, and ongoing looting of humanitarian supplies has further exacerbated the situation. Meanwhile, Sudanese authorities and armed factions continue to use access to aid as a bargaining chip, delaying and obstructing the delivery of critical assistance.

The global community must address Sudan’s crisis with urgency and unity. Nations must work together to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, enforce accountability for crimes against humanity, and provide substantial funding to meet the growing needs.

The United States has recognized the atrocities in Sudan as genocide and imposed sanctions targeting RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and his economic networks. “Members of the RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys - even infants - on an ethnic basis,” then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.” The U.S. has also committed over $2.3 billion in humanitarian assistance since the start of Fiscal Year 2023. However, the international humanitarian appeal for Sudan remains only partially met.

Canada, while contributing $132.2 million in 2024 toward humanitarian assistance, has been criticized for its limited refugee resettlement programs. Despite this, it has supported civil society actors. “Canada must match its rhetoric about women, peace, and security with action to protect Sudanese women and girls who face rampant sexual violence as a weapon of war,” stated a coalition of 64 civil society organizations.

India, with its long-standing ties to Sudan, has played a vital role by evacuating over 1,400 Indians during the recent conflict under Operation Kaveri. “India’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in Sudan extends beyond evacuation,” noted a recent report by CAPS India. India has also extended $737 million in lines of credit to Sudan for renewable energy projects and agricultural development, highlighting the importance of sustainable, long-term investments in stabilizing the country’s economy and infrastructure.

Scaling up humanitarian aid is essential to mitigate the crisis. Aid must not only reach those in need but also be delivered efficiently and equitably. This requires addressing logistical barriers, including damaged transportation infrastructure and restrictive border controls. Donor countries must commit to fully funding the United Nations’ humanitarian appeals and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict zones such as Darfur.

Global diplomatic efforts must be reinvigorated. The United Nations Security Council must enact a comprehensive arms embargo and enforce it rigorously. External actors, including nations that have supplied arms or other support to warring factions, must be held accountable for their roles in fueling the conflict. Countries with influence over the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF must use their leverage to push for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Efforts to rebuild Sudan’s collapsed healthcare and education systems and restore food security must be prioritized. Historical lessons from previous humanitarian interventions in Sudan demonstrate the importance of consistent, sustained engagement. The peace agreement that led to the partition of Sudan in 2011, for instance, was built on years of international negotiation and humanitarian assistance.

The time for half-measures has passed. Sudanese lives are not a footnote to geopolitics—they are a moral test of our humanity. The examples set by countries like the U.S., Canada, and India highlight the potential for global solidarity, but more decisive action is needed. As Sudan teeters on the brink, let this not be another moment history judges harshly. Instead, let it be the moment we proved that global solidarity is not just a slogan but a reality.