Pope International’s Post

#SUDAN: "An United Nations OCHA team is in Gedaref...reported that people continue to arrive in large numbers. Children and older people are among those arriving in very difficult conditions, having been unable to bring much supplies with them." #WithSudan https://lnkd.in/gK_aRWKG 3 July 2024 Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. **Sudan Turning North to the deteriorating situation in Sudan, an Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs team is in Gedaref today and visited several reception sites where displaced families are seeking shelter following the clashes that erupted in Sennar State in the southwest of the country, which we told you about yesterday. The team reported that people continue to arrive in large numbers. Children and older people are among those arriving in very difficult conditions, having been unable to bring much supplies with them. The Office is working with other UN agencies and our partners to provide critical humanitarian assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) has prepositioned more than 2,200 metric tons of food to respond to the ongoing crisis. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it is deeply concerned that the spreading conflict and rising insecurity could sever a key route for the transport of humanitarian assistance from Port Sudan in the east. We reiterate that a famine is looming, and it is imperative to sustain the delivery of life-saving aid across conflict lines and across borders. The situation is not better in other parts of the country. In very shocking and unfortunate developments, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that at least eight children were killed in a reported drone attack on a mosque in El Fasher in North Darfur this past Monday. The mosque had been providing food to vulnerable children and their families and was clearly not a safe place. The senseless killing of children in Sudan — and elsewhere — must end.

In the midst of an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, a poignant call for unity emerges, championed by leaders like the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific. His powerful assertion that "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Civilians should never be made to bear the consequences of the horrendous acts of others. The suffering must come to an end" encapsulates the urgency of the moment. It serves as a clarion call to recognize that, in times of conflict, it is often the innocent who suffer the most, highlighting the moral imperative for immediate action. Aligned with the principles outlined in the United Nations General Assembly's 2024 vision, Australia’s commitment to addressing this crisis reflects a broader understanding of humanitarian responsibility. This vision underscores the need for collaborative action and the protection of human rights, emphasizing that true progress requires not just temporary relief but also a commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation. The understanding is embodied by the resolute stance of Senator Penny Wong of SA and Minister Conroy, reinforcing the necessity of safeguarding the dignity and rights of those caught in the crossfire. The Australian government’s announcement of an additional $10 million in funding marks a significant step towards delivering essential aid to those in desperate need. This investment will be directed toward reputable organizations such as UNICEF and UNFPA, focusing on providing lifesaving assistance, including nutritional support and hygiene kits. By prioritizing vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, Australia aims to address immediate humanitarian concerns while empowering communities to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity amidst adversity. This strategic approach resonates with the United Nations' mission, which advocates for long-term solutions that extend beyond emergency response. By addressing the ongoing crisis, Australia acknowledges that sustainable peace and security can only be achieved through a dual focus on immediate relief and community empowerment. Minister Conroy’s emphasis on the need for collective efforts to alleviate suffering reflects the belief that fostering conditions for lasting stability is essential to overcoming the root causes of conflict. As we confront these complex challenges, it is vital to remember that our shared humanity compels us to act. Standing united with international partners, Australia seeks to become a catalyst for change, reinforcing the interconnectedness of peace and humanitarian assistance. This collective pursuit of a brighter future, grounded in respect for human rights and dignity, urges us to respond decisively to adversity, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are not just heard but prioritized in our efforts for relief and restoration. #UnitedNations #UNGA #Australia #Gaza #HumantarianAid #SaveLives #GazaCrisis #WestBank

Yemen is at a crossroads. The country witnessed slight improvements in humanitarian conditions following the UN-brokered truce However, we cannot ignore the significant humanitarian needs that remain and that cannot be addressed without adequate funding to respond. Inaction would have catastrophic consequences for the lives of Yemeni women, children and men. The Sixth Senior Officials Meeting is a critical moment to galvanize support and collective action to address the deteriorating crisis. The humanitarian community appeals to donors to urgently address existing funding gaps, and provide sustainable support to enhance resilience and reduce aid dependency. https://lnkd.in/dA8w3M8d

🆕Can digital humanitarian aid reach vulnerable populations in fragile states? Hunger is concentrating in fragile and conflict-affected states. Delivering assistance as digital aid - assistance provided through digital payments rather than as physical cash or food - presents a potential solution. Today on VoxDev, Michael Callen (LSE Department of Economics), Mike Findley (The University of Texas at Austin), Tarek Ghani (Washington University in St. Louis) and Miguel Fajardo Steinhäuser (LSE Department of Economics) outline their findings from an intervention delivering digital humanitarian aid to women in Afghanistan: https://lnkd.in/dFmhFHQB

One week ago I was in Paris at an international pledging conference on the first anniversary of Sudan's brutal war, advocating for mediation to end the fighting, a surge in funding to avert famine, and access and safety guarantees for aid workers. One week ago there were stories across international news outlets about a year of relentless fighting and what has become one of the worst humanitarian and hunger emergencies in recent history. And one week later, I'm struck by the fact that Sudan has once again dropped off the international news agenda. Over the last year, the global response in attention, funding and outrage for Sudan has been strikingly muted. Even with last week's pledges by governments, the humanitarian response in Sudan (and neighboring countries receiving Sudanese refugees) faces a shortfall of approximately $2 billion. This represents only 20 cents per day for each person in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. After the tragedies that gripped Darfur 20 years ago, the world said never again. Yet today these horrors threaten to resurface on a much larger scale. The people of Sudan deserve better. They deserve our outrage, our attention, and our support - and not just on anniversaries and at pledging conferences. https://lnkd.in/gZUb-6qp

🌍 Amidst escalating violence in Sudan, the need for humanitarian aid and international attention is urgent. Over the past year, conflict has forced millions to flee, leaving half the population in need of lifesaving assistance. As hostilities increase, particularly in El Fasher, the situation risks escalating to full-blown intercommunal conflict. The upcoming international conference on the Sudan crisis in Paris offers a critical opportunity for global leaders to step up. Let's ensure Sudan receives the support necessary to navigate this nightmare. #SudanCrisis #HumanitarianAid #GlobalSupport https://lnkd.in/enWS6X4C

West Africa is at risk of turning into a blind spot. In Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali alone, 17 million people urgently need humanitarian aid. Armed conflict and the #climatecrisis have led to unprecedented levels of humanitarian need. Yet, despite the growing need, funding for #humanitarian aid falls short. Response plans for these countries are severely underfunded, with gaps as high as 69%. And there is a growing trend of donors cutting or withdrawing funding. What to do? ✅ Ensure sufficient humanitarian funding. ✅ Create a comprehensive approach that coordinates immediate humanitarian aid with long-term development aid. This is @Oxfam's and other organisations' messages to the EU at the #EHF. https://lnkd.in/eNiWDu7M

ACFID welcomes the announcement made by the Australian Government of $10 million in further assistance for Syria. This critical funding has been announced during the eighth Brussels Conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, hosted by the EU. Syria has experienced devastating conflict for over a decade, and earthquakes in 2023 claimed over 60,000 lives, already exacerbating a dire humanitarian situation. The funding will be used to provide access to clean water, food assistance and gender-based violence support services. The ongoing conflict has killed over 500,000 people since 2011 and displaced over 13 million, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the UN. The people of Syria must not be forgotten. We hope the Australian Government will continue to make further commitments to Syria and remain engaged at future Brussels Conferences. Australia’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, which remains at $150 million per year, is not sufficiently funded to respond to crises globally. ACFID continues to reiterate its call for the fund to be doubled, to catch-up to inflation and in recognition of increasing humanitarian need. https://lnkd.in/gTMCMhEb

In 2019, BHA initiated a pilot of multi-year activities in recurrent and protracted crisis contexts, aiming to strengthen linkages across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The shift towards longer-term funding and planning seeks to maximize program outcomes and reduce the need for humanitarian assistance. Our study examined the five pilot BHA multi-year humanitarian activities in Nepal, South Sudan, and Somalia. We identified promising practices and lessons learned to enhance future MYEs. Our report aims to guide future multi-year initiatives, boost the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, and improve community engagement. 📖 Read the full report to learn more about our findings and recommendations: https://lnkd.in/gJsekCdq #HumanitarianAssistance #HDPNexus #CrisisResponse #CommunityResilience #DevelopmentImpact

This article sheds light on the often-overlooked humanitarian crises that persist beyond the headlines of Gaza and Ukraine. Each of these situations demands our urgent attention: 🔴 Sudan: The war between the RSF and the regular army has displaced 10 million people, with 26 million facing food insecurity. The risk of famine looms large, threatening millions with starvation. 🔴 Myanmar: Over 3 million displaced and worsening abuses highlight a deteriorating situation. Intense conflict and human rights violations, including forced conscriptions and airstrikes, add to the crisis. 🔴 Haiti: Rampant gang violence has displaced 578,000 people, with acute hunger affecting almost half the population. International efforts are underway, but challenges persist in stabilizing the nation. 🔴 West African Sahel: Juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger intensify counterinsurgency campaigns, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. 🔴 Horn of Africa: Extreme weather, ongoing conflicts, and political instability have left nearly 64 million people in need of aid and protection. 🔴 DR Congo: Intense regional conflict and a failed coup have exacerbated the displacement crisis, with 7.3 million people internally displaced and 23.4 million food insecure. 🔴 Syria: More than 16 million Syrians need aid amid ongoing conflict and economic collapse. Funding shortfalls hinder relief efforts. 🔴 Yemen: A decade of war continues, with severe hunger affecting 17.6 million people. The humanitarian response is critically underfunded. 🔴 Venezuela: An upcoming election could impact the future of a country struggling with economic collapse and severe humanitarian needs. 🔴 Afghanistan: With 23.7 million people in need of assistance, including 4 million acutely malnourished children, the humanitarian situation remains dire amid ongoing political and economic instability. Each of these crises demands our collective awareness and action. Let’s amplify these voices and advocate for the support they desperately need. #HumanitarianCrisis #GlobalAid #InternationalSupport