To the Esteemed Attendees of the Ministerial Conference on the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan,
The situation in Sudan, with half of the country’s population—approximately 25 million people—requiring humanitarian assistance and protection, underscores a humanitarian crisis of unparalleled magnitude. The displacement of over 1.5 million individuals to neighboring countries in search of refuge highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international response.
We are doctors working with colleagues on the ground in Sudan who are witnessing firsthand the atrocities taking place. In some refugee camps, the stark reality is a child dying every two hours due to the acute lack of funding and resources. Our medical teams on the ground found the situation in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where approximately 400 refugees share one bathroom, showcasing the desperate conditions and a blatant disregard for basic human rights.
The conference on April 15 presents a critical opportunity for the global community to commit to increasing funding, ensuring safe access to humanitarian aid, fostering a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and, importantly, emphasizing the need for the localization of aid response.
The need for increased funding cannot be overstated. Immediate and substantial financial support is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Ensuring safe access to humanitarian aid is paramount to delivering assistance efficiently and effectively. Moreover, a concerted effort towards a peaceful resolution is essential to end the suffering of millions and pave the way for stability and recovery.
Emphasizing the localization of aid is vital for a more effective and culturally sensitive response that leverages local knowledge and expertise to address the specific needs of the affected population. However, to ensure its efficacy and sustainability, a profound comprehension of the social and cultural constructs of war-torn communities and the external political and economic influences driving aid is indispensable. By supporting entities closely interrelated and accented with local capacities, we can enhance the impact of humanitarian efforts, build communities’ resilience, and contribute to longer-term recovery.
As we gather at this conference, let us unite in our efforts to address the crisis in Sudan with increased funding, safe access to humanitarian aid, a commitment to peaceful resolution, and a significant emphasis on localizing aid responses. The time to act is now. Let us make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of Sudanese who depend on our collective action. Your decisions have the power to alter the course of this crisis. We urge you to act with compassion and resolve.
Yours sincerely,
Board of Directors
Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA)
