- The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
- The Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Australia will provide additional assistance to address famine and widespread humanitarian needs in Sudan, which now faces the world's largest hunger crisis and the world's largest displacement crisis.
Over half the population in Sudan live with acute hunger, and the ongoing conflict continues to threaten civilians. For the first time globally since 2017, famine has been declared in areas of North Darfur. Over 11 million people have fled their homes since the conflict started in April 2023.
Australia will provide an additional $17 million, which brings Australia's total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries since the outbreak of the conflict to $50 million.
In addition to today's announcement, we welcome the recent release of funds from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which Australia supports. We also welcome the release of funds from the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies Disaster Response Emergency Fund to Sudan, to which Australia contributes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"Australia condemns the appalling violence in Sudan including towards civilians and aid workers. We call on all parties to make progress on negotiations and agree a permanent ceasefire.
"2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers - 26 have been killed in Sudan this year. Australia is working to galvanise international commitment to protect aid workers and ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian support."
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The conflict in Sudan is taking a heavy toll on civilians, with more than half the population living with extreme shortages of food.
"Australia stands with the people of Sudan. Our humanitarian funding will provide critical aid for people affected by this appalling conflict.
"Today's announcement brings Australia's total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries to $50 million since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP:
"Sudan is now both the world's largest hunger crisis and the world's largest displacement crisis.
"We call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and enable safe and unimpeded access for aid workers to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance."
