As Sudan’s conflict enters its fourth year, we urge immediate action to protect civilians and ensure accountability for grave and ongoing violations of international humanitarian law. Faith-based organisations responding in Sudan urge concrete, accountable commitments through the Berlin Conference this week and beyond to uphold human rights and protect civilians and frontline responders.
Since April 2023, the war has continued to devastate civilian life and vast destruction of critical civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including humanitarian offices and warehouses being seized, looted or destroyed. Unimaginable levels of suffering for the Sudanese people continues to rise, especially for women and girls, whose lives and futures are being torn apart.
As people of faith, we call for an end to the violence in Sudan and urge the international community to secure an immediate, enforceable ceasefire and scale up the humanitarian response without delay. At a time of deep global instability, the defence of international law, including international humanitarian law, must be a non‑negotiable.
We need a major re-engagement in development funding to ensure that there is no gap in service delivery and unmet needs at the humanitarian-development nexus. The war has inflicted such deep damage to the economy that even when it ends, Sudan will require sustained support to restore inestimable losses to public and private infrastructure, businesses and livelihoods.
On this third anniversary, faith‑based actors, including ACT Alliance, Caritas Internationalis, and Islamic Relief Worldwide, have released a joint statement calling on the international community to act decisively:
- Civilian‑led peace:Amplify and support civilian‑led pathways to peace and justice, with women and youth at the centre and trusted faith leaders playing a constructive role.
- Beyond lifesaving aid:Sustain humanitarian, development, and early recovery funding, as aid cuts and over‑prioritisation of narrowly defined lifesaving assistance undermine community resilience and peacebuilding efforts that Sudanese communities urgently
- Protection and access: Commit to unified and accountable international diplomacy to end attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan.
Marking this anniversary, religious leaders and faith-based organisations stand in solidarity with those silenced by the conflict, raising their voices instead:
“While many faith leaders had to flee Sudan due to the insecurity and targeting, some of us stayed so that communities don’t lose their anchor and strength to keep going” – Religious Leader in Sudan
“Local faith groups are at the heart of the response to the crisis, running solidarity kitchens in mosques and churches have saved countless lives. These kitchens demonstrate the true spirit of compassion and humanity and now we need international governments to show the same. We need urgent coordinated efforts to protect civilians, halt the spread of famine, and increase support to local response groups.” – Shahin Ashraf, Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide
“We call for urgent action to ensure that the much-needed support can reach the intended persons, especially the women and girls who are suffering the most due to the effects of the war in their country.” – Sr. Bridgita S. Mwawasi, Secretary General for the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA)
“Whilst the world’s attention has been largely elsewhere over the past year, people motivated by faith have been at the frontline of life-saving aid efforts in Sudan. Across Africa and in the UK, faith leaders and people of faith have followed this brutal war; raising funds to support humanitarian work and raising their voices for peace. There is so much violence and suffering happening across the world right now, but at this time we urge everyone to see the suffering in Sudan.” – Kayode Akintola, Africa Regional Manager, CAFOD
“We need a major re-engagement in development funding to ensure that there is no gap in service delivery and unmet needs at the humanitarian-development nexus. The war has inflicted such deep damage to the economy that even when it ends, Sudan will require sustained support to restore inestimable losses to public and private infrastructure, businesses and livelihoods.” – Dirk Hanekom, Sudan Country Director, Norwegian Church Aid
As faith actors, we affirm that our responsibility does not end with helping people to survive today. International support must also allow communities to rebuild their lives, restore dignity, and determine their own futures.
Far greater and more sustained action is urgently needed, not only to save lives now, but to end the violence, uphold justice, and lay the foundations for a just and lasting peace in Sudan.
Media Contacts
Susan Dabbous, Dabbous@caritas.va
Simon Chambers, simon.chambers@actalliance.org
Additional Notes: Images can be provided on request.
