London, United Kingdom, November 18, 2024 — Responding to the announcement from the UK government of increased humanitarian funding to the crisis in Sudan, Khusbu Patel, Acting Executive Director of International Rescue Committee UK, said,
“We welcome the UK government’s spotlight on the crisis in Sudan, and the announcement of an additional £113 million in humanitarian assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries. This vital funding will provide essential support to over a million people affected by the conflict and demonstrates an enduring commitment to supporting those caught in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
However, with 25 million people still requiring urgent humanitarian assistance and over 500,000 facing famine conditions in Darfur alone, international support must increase dramatically to address the growing scale of suffering.
The UK presidency of the UN Security Council offers a critical opportunity to advance diplomatic solutions and advocate for unrestricted humanitarian access. Whilst we strongly support the Foreign Secretary's efforts to keep the Adre border crossing open, we urge the UK government to push for all aid corridors to remain accessible. Only by ensuring unimpeded access can we prevent the further deterioration of this devastating crisis.
These efforts mark an important step forward, and the UK and its partners must build on this momentum to prevent further suffering.”
ENDS