These South Sudanese children are among the millions facing severe hunger and already-severe humanitarian need in the country, a crisis further exacerbated by complex factors such as ongoing conflict.
(June 05, 2023) –
In response to the combined impact of conflict, climate and hunger in parts of east Africa, along with the ripple effects of the conflict in Sudan, leading Canadian aid agencies – working together as
the Humanitarian Coalition – are raising funds to rush assistance to people in need.
The Canadian government has announced it will match donations by individual Canadians until June 30, up to a total of $5 million.
Facts
- Clashes between rival military factions in Sudan that began on April 15, 2023 have left more than 1,800 people dead and forced 1.4 million people to flee their homes.
- Refugees from the Sudan conflict have flooded into Chad, Central African Republic, and South Sudan, putting a strain on already overburdened humanitarian relief efforts in those countries.
- The persistent drought conditions first seen in 2020 continued into 2023 in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya with more than 23 million people facing severe shortages of food and water.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the highest number of food-insecure people worldwide at 26.4 million people – a quarter of the country’s population.
- Humanitarian Coalition members are on the ground in the region, providing emergency food, water, shelter, and healthcare to people in need.
Quotes
"The combined effects of climate change, conflict and hunger have left millions of people in Sudan, surrounding countries and throughout parts of east Africa on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. The Humanitarian Coalition is calling on all Canadians to donate to help people in need.”
- Richard Morgan, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Coalition
“Children and families are fleeing violence in Sudan but are moving right into a severe and worsening hunger crisis. The humanitarian needs in Sudan and in neighbouring countries—almost all of which are in conflict or are recovering from it—are dire, and we can help. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for matching public donations, which encourages greater levels of giving. Our teams are committed to providing lifesaving support to the most vulnerable in this region. We call on Canadians to respond to the urgent needs of children and their families to help save lives.”
- Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada
The following are members of the Humanitarian Coalition: Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Vision Canada.
Canadians can give online to East Africa crisis
through this link.