IRC and EU deliver lifesaving support to nearly half a million people in Sudan

Khartoum, Sudan, 29 September 2025 —  As Sudan continues to face one of the most urgent and complex humanitarian crises in the world, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), with critical support from the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), has reached over 486,000 people across Gedaref (including Tunaydbah refugee camp), Blue Nile and Khartoum states with life-saving assistance. Building on years of presence in Sudan, the IRC launched this specific emergency response project in August 2021. From that moment through March 2025—nearly four years defined by escalating violence, mass displacement, and economic collapse—our work has provided a vital lifeline, helping families withstand relentless waves of crisis and uncertainty.

Through this partnership with the EU, the IRC provided clean water, safe sanitation, hygiene supplies, protection services for women and children, and direct cash support to help people meet their basic needs. Newly constructed latrines and bathing shelters helped prevent disease outbreaks in displacement camps, while sanitation systems in six health facilities were rehabilitated. Water quality consistently met WHO standards, and participants surveyed at the end of the program showed that 94% of people practiced regular handwashing at key times.

In partnership with AMVO, a local women’s NGO, the IRC supported thousands of women and children with gender-based violence and child protection services. Survivors received case management, psychosocial counseling, dignity kits, and access to safe spaces. The program also helped train local stakeholders and raise awareness to ensure more survivors could seek help and support.

Meanwhile, the IRC’s multi-purpose cash assistance program helped tens of thousands of people meet their daily needs through flexible cash transfers. In Gedaref alone, more than 28,000 refugees and IDPs received emergency support. In Khartoum and Blue Nile, multiple rounds of assistance were delivered based on community feedback and ongoing monitoring. Most recipients reported that the assistance helped them afford food, healthcare, transport, and repay debt.

In Khartoum state, where conflict cut families off from aid and blocked the IRC and other humanitarian communities from direct access, neighbors became first responders. With innovative and targeted support from the EU, the IRC channeled resources to mutual aid groups—informal groups of volunteers—who have played a pivotal role and become a lifeline in meeting the needs of millions of Sudanese people in hard-to-reach areas. With support from the EU, volunteers served meals to 250,000 people, carried out urgent medical evacuations, and restored water for nearly 100,000, showing the strength and resilience of Sudanese communities when given the chance to lead.

Eatizaz Yousif, IRC Sudan Country Director, said:
 “Amid one of the gravest humanitarian emergencies in Sudan’s history, the IRC has been able to reach communities on the frontlines of suffering thanks to the strong support from the European Union. Our work has helped people access clean water, recover from trauma, and meet their most urgent needs. This support is not just life-saving, it is life-restoring.”

The IRC remains committed to scaling up its response and continuing to serve vulnerable populations across Sudan. With the continued backing of the EU and other partners, the IRC will keep delivering critical assistance and hope for those who need it most.

About our work with the European Union

The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.