Climate change as well as man-made disasters – also in neighboring countries - result in humanitarian needs in Sudan. A total of 13.4 million people are projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2021 which represents more than a quarter of the population. This is an increase of 4.1 million from 2020 and the highest number in the past decade. Of the 13.4 million people in need, 7.6 million are women and girls. The Netherlands contributes to addressing humanitarian needs in Sudan through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, the Dutch Relief Alliance and the Red Cross. Moreover, significant contributions are done centrally through UN agencies. Increased accessibility has resulted in increased humanitarian service delivery in various areas in Sudan.  

Approach of the Netherlands

The agenda of The Grand Bargain is key to the humanitarian approach of the Netherlands. Humanitarian assistance should be conducted as much as possible through local and national organisations. Transparency and simplicity in information and reporting is essential. Humanitarian assistance remains a priority for the Netherlands, but when and wherever possible, long term solutions should take precedence. That is why humanitarian, development, and peace actors increasingly connect and find a common approach. Humanitarian experts in the field of flood preparedness and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) contribute directly to needs on the ground, made possible by funding from the Dutch Surge Support.

Dutch Relief Alliance

The Dutch Relief Alliance is an alliance of the international NGOs Plan International, World Vision and ICCO. In cooperation with several national NGOs, they conduct a joint humanitarian response in Sudan. One of the advantages of this approach is increased coordination, innovative solutions and a localised approach. The Dutch Relief Alliance / Sudan Joint Response is currently active in South Kordofan, North Darfur and Khartoum state.

In 2020, a COVID-19 response was set up as part of the Joint Response. This resulted amongst others in sanitization campagins, the support of isolation units in Khartoum, and logistical support to the State Ministry of Health rapid response team in East Darfur.