US gives $47 million for humanitarian aid in Sudan, neighbouring countries
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US on Wednesday announced more than $47 million in humanitarian assistance for the emergency response in Sudan and neighbouring countries, including Chad and South Sudan.
The annoucement was made by US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes, at a meetinf with Chadian Prime Minister Succès Masra.
A press release issued by the US Department of State said Sudan is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with more than eight million people newly displaced since the conflict began last April, and nearly 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – needing aid, according to the United Nations.
This includes more than one million Sudanese refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, including Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
It said the humanitarian assistance provides critical life-saving assistance including food, water and sanitation facilities, shelter, medical services including mental health support, and protection to Sudanese fleeing the conflict.
The US said this brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance for people in Sudan and neighbouring countries to more than $968 million since Financial Year 2023.
"The United States will continue to work with international and local partners to provide life-saving support to the millions of people affected by the devastating conflict in Sudan."
The United States called on the international community to help alleviate the suffering of over one million refugees forced to flee their homes due to violence.
It also urged the parties to the Sudan conflict to allow unhindered humanitarian access including both cross-line and cross-border, engage in direct talks, agree to a ceasefire, and end hostilities immediately.
"Preventing a famine and long-term catastrophe will require both a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access," the press release said.
-0- PANA MA 21March2024
