Concern calls for end to hostilities to avert major humanitarian crisis in Sudan

“Prior to the start of the hostilities, there were huge humanitarian needs in Sudan with 15.8 million people – a third of the population – in need of assistance. Concern works with the Ministry of Health in 73 health facilities and last year we treated over 200,000 children for malnutrition,” Concern CEO David Regan said.

“The hostilities have forced many humanitarian organisations to suspend their work as the country enters its ‘lean’ season – when much of last year’s harvest has been eaten and before this year’s harvest is ready.  The hostilities must end immediately and humanitarian workers protected to enable them provide essential support to communities.”

Concern suspended its work in Sudan last week as result of the security risk to its staff.  It has evacuated 12 non-Sudanese staff (including one Irish citizen) to Port Sudan and is arranging for them to temporarily leave Sudan.  Two other non-Sudanese staff were evacuated to Chad over the weekend.

Concern has a further 140 staff in Sudan who are currently sheltered in their homes or who have managed to relocate to more peaceful locations. Their security situation is being monitored daily.

Concern has worked in Sudan for the last 37 years providing a range of programmes including health, nutrition, water and sanitation, livelihoods and food security programming.  Concern has teams working in West Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan.

“We are exploring ways of maintaining our programming in current circumstances and we will resume our work as soon as the security situation stabilises in the areas we work,” Mr Regan said. “Staff who have been evacuated will work remotely until they can return to Sudan.”

For media queries contact Eamon Timmins, Media Relations Manager, Concern Worldwide, at eamon.timmins@concern.net or  087 9880524.