Scottish Government providing £250,000 ‘lifesaving assistance’ for Sudan

Scottish Government cash will provide “life-saving assistance” in a country facing the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has said.

He made the comments after the Scottish Government announced two charities will share £250,000 to help those facing famine, gender-based violence and displacement as a result of the civil war in Sudan.

The conflict in the country has been raging since 2023, with the money from the Scottish Government going to Christian Aid and Tearfund.

The funding will allow them to provide cash assistance in order to improve access to food for 9,600 Sudanese refugees and displaced people in Sudan and South Sudan.

In addition, work to prevent gender-based violence among 13,000 vulnerable individuals will be supported.

Mr Robertson said: “Sudan faces the world’s worst humanitarian crisis with more than 24 million people facing high levels of acute food shortages and gender-based violence.

“It is important that we are able to help charity partners continue to provide this urgent assistance to address the devastating impact of conflict, famine and displacement.

“By delivering life-saving assistance in ways that are dignified, locally rooted and protection-focused, we ensure that people are empowered and we bolster their resilience.”

Christian Aid’s South Sudan country director James Wani said the civil war was having a “huge impact” as he thanked the Scottish Government for stepping in to help with the “hidden crisis, which gets very little attention in the media”.

He said: “Every day over a thousand people cross the border into Renk, close to the Sudan border. They are mainly women and children, and their needs are huge. The cash assistance this project will deliver can ensure they’re able to buy food and essentials.”

Erickson Bisetsa, Tearfund country director for South Sudan, said: “The crisis in Sudan is a humanitarian catastrophe, with over 24 million people facing severe food shortages and the constant threat of violence.

“The support from the Scottish Government’s humanitarian emergency fund comes at a critical moment, enabling us to deliver life-saving assistance to those who need it most in East Darfur.

“Through our partnership with the Alsawaid Alkhadara Organisation, a local organisation in Sudan, this funding will make a profound difference – providing urgent cash assistance for food and other essential household needs for 750 families while also ensuring that vulnerable women and girls can access essential protection and psychosocial support that would otherwise be unavailable.”