Sudan Humanitarian Fund Annual Report 2023

LETTER FROM THE HC

As the Humanitarian Coordinator overseeing the humanitarian response efforts in Sudan, I am honoured to present the operations and achievements of the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) in 2023. The events of the past year have posed unprecedented challenges to the humanitarian community in Sudan, yet they have also underscored our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of those most in need.

In 2023, Sudan faced one of the most rapidly unfolding crises globally, precipitated by the conflict erupting on 15 April. The humanitarian landscape was dramatically altered, with millions of Sudanese in urgent need of assistance. Basic services were disrupted, displacement figures soared, and food insecurity reached alarming levels. Against this backdrop of immense need, the SHF and its partners mobilized resources, expertise, and ingenuity to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations.

Its achievements would have not been possible without the historic increase in donor contributions to the SHF, doubling compared to the previous year and marking the highest amount received in over a decade. This outpouring of support reflects the trust and confidence donors place in the SHF and its ability to respond effectively to acute emergencies. However, it also underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian action.

Throughout the year, the SHF prioritized localization efforts, recognizing the invaluable role of national NGOs and community-based entities in delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas. Despite operational challenges and security risks, the SHF expanded its support to these local actors, empowering them to lead response efforts and ensuring that assistance reached those most in need. The SHF’s allocation strategies evolved dynamically in response to the changing humanitarian landscape, with a focus on agility, inclusivity, and needs-based programming. From the innovative 48-hour response grants to the strategic area-based allocations, the SHF demonstrated its commitment to delivering timely and targeted assistance where it was needed most.

I commend the dedication, courage, and professionalism of all SHF partners who worked tirelessly throughout the year to deliver humanitarian assistance in the face of immense challenges. Their efforts have undoubtedly saved lives, alleviated suffering, and provided hope to millions of Sudanese facing adversity.

As we look ahead to the challenges that lie in 2024, I am confident that the SHF and its partners will continue to demonstrate the same spirit of solidarity, collaboration, and determination that has defined our response efforts thus far. Worsening humanitarian needs, affecting an ever-larger population in need and soon to be exacerbated by an unprecedented food crisis, will require even more funding to avoid the worst outcomes.

At the same time, the Fund will take stock of the innovations it piloted and adapt them where needed. It will also assess which risk absorption measures are still relevant as we enter the second year of the crisis, and how risk management strategies can be strengthened. Together, we will strive to meet the evolving needs of the affected populations and uphold our collective commitment to humanity.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the people of Sudan.

Sincerely,

Clementine Nkweta- Salami

Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan