Over 12 million people have been forced from their homes, making this the largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis globally.
30.4 million Sudanese people – more than two-thirds of the population – urgently require humanitarian aid, with millions at risk of famine.
80% of hospitals in conflict zones are non-operational, leaving millions without access to essential medical care as disease outbreaks surge.
Tens of thousands have been killed, with indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including in Darfur, where ethnic violence has escalated.
An IRC policy paper sets out analysis of why the conflict persists and recommendations for solutions.
London, United Kingdom, April 11, 2025 — As Sudan marks two years since the outbreak of war, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe compounded by diplomatic paralysis. With millions displaced and famine spreading, the IRC urges the international community to use the upcoming conference—co-hosted by the UK, Germany, and France in London—to restore focus and drive urgent action on Sudan.
Ahead of the upcoming conference, President and CEO of the IRC, David Miliband, said,
“As representatives from nearly 20 countries and international organisations gather in London, two years into Sudan’s devastating - and increasingly internationalised - conflict, the people of Sudan cannot afford further diplomatic failure.
With millions facing displacement, starvation and relentless violence, participating nations must deliver more than statements: they must chart a credible path to de-escalate the conflict and ensure aid reaches those in desperate need.
The UK has played a longstanding role in supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in Sudan—as a key donor, UN Security Council penholder, and partner in Sudan’s democratic transition. That commitment is needed now more than ever.
Britain’s legacy of humanitarian leadership remains one of its most powerful foreign policy tools. Despite aid cuts at home, the UK still has the ability to shape global action. As the dismantling of USAID and abrupt funding terminations threaten Sudan’s humanitarian response, donor leadership - especially from the UK and Europe - must step up to protect the most vulnerable. With the risk of famine spreading, this is not just a test of political will. It is a test of our shared humanity.”
On the eve of the conference, the IRC urges the UK government and participating nations to commit to three critical actions:
- Establish a single, unified negotiation process to de-escalate the conflict. Under the leadership of the African Union, this must include all parties to the conflict and their international sponsors. This is the only path to protect civilians against a backdrop of ongoing violence.
- Secure an immediate agreement from all parties to conflict on humanitarian aid access across Sudan. Lifesaving aid is being blocked as famine spreads—forcing entire communities toward starvation. The upcoming rainy season will flood key transport routes, further isolating people in need. A three-month pause on bureaucratic barriers to aid delivery and stronger UN presence throughout the country, would ensure assistance reaches those most in need, regardless of who controls the territory.
- Protect and increase humanitarian funding for Sudan at this critical moment. In 2024, US funds accounted for half of all humanitarian assistance in Sudan. As of early April 2025, Sudan’s coordinated response plan was only 10% funded - around 30% of current funding (around US$125 million) was expected to come from the US and may not materialise as humanitarian partners continue to struggle to secure payments from the US Government. Donors must collectively commit to maintaining support for life-saving interventions and local first responders.
Notes to Editors
When the conflict began in 2023, the IRC adapted its programmes and scaled up our response to address the increased humanitarian needs. Despite immense operational challenges, the IRC continues to provide support communities in Blue Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, South Kordofan, River Nile and White Nile states. We also have a logistics and coordination office in Port Sudan and are exploring opportunities to expand our presence into other states. Learn more about the IRC’s Sudan response here.
The barriers to progress are well understood, including disjointed negotiation processes and a lack of international pressure on warring parties and their sponsors to end the fighting and to ease barriers to humanitarian aid delivery. As the war enters its third year, UN member states should learn the lessons of the last two years and change the incentives for the warring parties to bring an end to the fighting and ensure the people of Sudan have access to the humanitarian assistance they so urgently require. IRC’s policy paper sets out detailed recommendations on coordinating diplomatic efforts, humanitarian access and funding.