State Secretary de Vries: “Sudan is currently the largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 21 million people facing acute food insecurity and famine confirmed in parts of the country. The recent violence in the city of El Fasher and the wider Darfur region has only increased the needs. It is very important that we, as the Netherlands, provide additional aid and continue to increase international pressure for a ceasefire and compliance with humanitarian law, including improved access to humanitarian aid and protection of aid workers.”

Escalating Violence in Darfur

The siege and capture of the city of El Fasher have led to atrocities against the civilian population and new waves of refugees. In Tawila, also in Darfur, more than 650,000 refugees arrived in a short time, causing shortages of almost everything. Sudan faces shortages of food, water, and medicine. Additionally, it remains difficult to reach Sudanese people who urgently need help due to insecurity, logistical problems, and administrative barriers. In areas that are very difficult to access, local residents play an important role in providing aid. Women and young people often volunteer to provide food, protection, and medical assistance. With the Dutch contribution, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund can continue to support these local initiatives.

Aid to Sudan

The additional contribution brings the Dutch support for emergency aid to Sudan in 2025 to a total of over €33 million (including Dutch contributions to the Dutch Relief Alliance and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement). The Netherlands has already contributed €16 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and also assists Sudanese people through other channels. For example, the UN emergency relief fund (CERF) is releasing 47 million US dollars for aid to the country in 2025. The Netherlands contributes €55 million annually to this fund. Additionally, the Netherlands supports the reception of Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries. Over 9 million people are internally displaced, and 4 million Sudanese have fled to surrounding countries.