Latest
Press Release
02 February 2023
UN rights expert Radhouane Nouicer’s statement at end of first official visit
Learn more
Press Release
29 January 2023
Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) on the killing of an aid worker in Blue Nile region
Learn more
Story
20 December 2022
WHO leading the humanitarian response to the escalation of violence in Sudan’s Blue Nile State
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Sudan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sudan:
Story
03 October 2022
UN-Habitat, UNHCR and partners launch the Peace Building Fund project on “Peacebuilding and Human Rights in Support of Durable Solutions for IDPs and Affected Communities: The Right to Adequate Housing in West Darfur”
West Darfur - UN-Habitat together with its partners UNHCR and the UN Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat (PBF) have launched the project: “Peacebuilding and Human Rights in Support of Durable Solutions for IDPs and Affected Communities: The Right to Adequate Housing in West Darfur”. The launch workshop, held at the University of El-Genaina Conference Hall, West Darfur, was attended by 58 participants, representing the State Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Nomads Commission, Voluntary Return Reintegration Commission, native administration, Land Registration authorities, HAC, local authorities, and local community representatives including internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Right to Adequate Housing project will make a direct contribution to peacebuilding efforts through addressing key issues impeding the realization of human rights in West Darfur, which in turn contribute to the perpetuation of intercommunal violence and further inhibit the achievement of durable solutions.
The project will support the peaceful returns and resettlements of the IDPs in three key localities through the provision of resettlement spatial plans, creation of viable options and guiding principles for the voluntary and sustainable return, local integration, and/or relocation of IDPs. The project will enhance of access to effective mechanisms that clarify housing, land and property (HLP) rights in compliance with relevant international human rights standards, as well as support access to civil documentation. It will also contribute to self-reliance of IDPs, returnees, nomads, and non-displaced communities, particularly male and female youth, through capacity development on self-help reconstruction using an environmentally sensitive and affordable building materials (Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks: ISSB), which will inform the national and state housing policy framework. The project will also work to enhance social cohesion among different communities in support of durable solutions.
Mr. Ulan Shabynov, PBF Programme Coordinator, opened the workshop. He highlighted PBF focus areas for sustainable peace in Sudan with emphasis on Darfur, and the importance of the project to promote durable solutions and coexistence for IDPs and affected communities.
Mr. Abdulrahman Mustafa, a representative from UN-Habitat, in his opening remarks outlined UN-Habitat’s work in addressing the issue of conflict-induced recurrent displacement in Darfur, security of tenure, access to effective mechanisms that clarify HLP rights in compliance with international human rights standards, and capacity development on self-help reconstruction using ISSB.
Ms. Jacqueline Parlevliet, Representative of UNHCR, mentioned their roles and deep concerns around providing returnees protection and supporting access to obtaining proper civil documentation. Moreover Mr. Mohamed Habib, Assistant Protection Officer, provided an overview of the intended activities.
Mr. Younis Ishag, Directorate General, Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development, appreciated the long partnership between the Ministry and UN-Habitat in terms of capacity building of technical staff at state and locality level, and the provision of survey equipment during the previous years. He said, “The capacity development packages enhanced the performance of the institution to achieve tasks beyond expectations”.
Dr. Alawia Mukhtar, Women Representative of CBOs in West Darfur, mentioned that “the condition of gathering sites is tragic. We are asking the international community for rapid response to the basic needs of IDPs in 94 gathering locations, addressing issues of transitional justice and protection of civilians in West Darfur State.”
In three years, the project is intended to serve as a pilot to demonstrate an alternative way of addressing Housing, Land and Property (HLP) rights in support of voluntary and sustainable return, local integration, and/or relocation of IDPs.
1 of 5
Story
03 August 2022
From seeds to life - my visit to South Darfur
While looking across fields of abundance and imminent harvest, it is important to remember that they grew from tiny seeds that were planted and nurtured by their planters and rain, and, in South Darfur, protected from destruction to allow them to grow.
Having visited South Darfur together with UN senior officials on 1 August, the importance of the harvest cannot be understated. People’s livelihoods depend on agriculture and livestock production, with the main crops cultivated including sorghum, millet, groundnut, sesame and hibiscus. However, the combined effects of crises from the economic downturn, climate change (including erratic rains last year) and conflict are significantly affecting people’s access to food in Sudan: 22 per cent of the population in the state face food insecurity.
To counter this, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) received 12 million in funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support local food production in 14 states across Sudan, including in South Darfur, where 110,000 people are receiving support. This includes quality sorghum seeds to improve household grain production and strengthen resilience around food security and nutrition.
During my visit to South Darfur, I was able to see the distribution of seeds and talk to the communities that had received and planted them. I was also able to see the work being carried out by other UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to reduce the population’s vulnerability to food insecurity.
The community leaders with whom I spoke were very grateful for the seeds and the support they had received – they are expecting a good harvest – but they also uniformly told me that their main need now is for the protection of their crops. They also communicated that they would like even earlier support as well as crop-related equipment and maintenance.
I was particularly pleased to speak to women representatives about the importance of securing crops and their protection, who spoke of the need for training and capacity building for women in professions like agriculture.
A key challenge is tensions between farmers and herders regarding the use of grazing land. They need to share. In previous years - due mainly to climatic reasons - herders have moved earlier in the year from north to south in Darfur, which has caused disruptions to farming. This is why it is so important that Crop Protection Committees function across Darfur, where the different community representatives - including women - can discuss and agree on ways forward that are mutually beneficial to herders and farmers.
One step in the right direction has been the initial demarcation of migratory routes by the authorities in South Darfur, which allows farmers and herders to know where herders’ cattle will be grazed. However, more still needs to be done. Protection is key, especially for women who are exposed to the risk of Sexual and Gender Based Violence when going to their farms.
I was glad to be able to witness the transformational impact of the support provided by UN and humanitarian organizations, and I would like to thank our generous CERF donors for their vital contributions.
The seeds that were given to communities in South Darfur through humanitarian funds have the power to change the lives of tens of thousands, so never underestimate the power of planting a seed.
1 of 5

Press Release
16 July 2022
UNHCR and WHO join hands to improve access to health for refugees in Sudan
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and WHO, the World Health Organization, signed a Letter of Understanding on 06 July 2022 to enhance health services for refugees and host communities in Sudan. Building on a 2020 Global Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement enacts the two agencies’ first national comprehensive partnership beyond emergency responses.
Sudan’s health system is buckling under several recurrent crises, with the current situation further exacerbating health and nutrition conditions for refugees and the communities which host them. Areas where refugees live often have limited health infrastructure and suffer shortages of medical personnel and supplies.
“We are glad to make official our continuing collaboration at a time when multiple emergencies and the ongoing economic crisis are undermining a fragile health system,” said Dr. Ni’ma Saeed Abid, WHO representative in Sudan. “The Sudanese health system will also benefit from the know-how and from our renewed joint efforts towards health for all,” Abid added.
The UN agencies will also strengthen their advocacy to Sudan’s government on key health issues affecting refugees, such as their full access to national health services.
“Health is a fundamental right for everyone. This agreement will help us support refugees access vital health services in the country,” said Axel Bisschop, UNHCR’s Representative in Sudan. “Increasing access to healthcare for forcibly displaced populations is one of the pledges Sudan made at the Global Refugee Forum in 2019. Therefore, this agreement is a good opportunity for UNHCR to continue its support to Sudan in meeting their commitments,” Bisschop added.
Among the main joint achievements in 2022, UNHCR and WHO supported early warning systems to detect potential disease outbreaks in a timely manner, in order to effect swift action and avoid further spread. The agencies continue to provide medicines and medical supplies to primary health facilities in refugee locations across the country, with about 32 such facilities also accessible by local populations.
The new partnership defines UNHCR and WHO roles and strategic areas of collaboration, maximizing coordination — including with national authorities — and optimising resources when responding to refugee influxes and other emergencies affecting both refugees and Sudanese.
Sudan hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. As of 31 May 2022, over 1.1 million refugees are hosted in the country, mainly from South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.
END
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Salim Mohamednour, WHO/Khartoum, mohamednours@who.int
Giulia Raffaelli, UNHCR/Khartoum, Mob: +249 91 216 7016 raffaelg@unhcr.org
Faith Kasina, UNHCR/Nairobi, Mob: +254 113 427 094 kasina@unhcr.org
1 of 5
Story
01 June 2022
FAO scales up response to soaring acute food insecurity exacerbated by potential impacts of the war in Ukraine
Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is intensifying efforts to address soaring acute food insecurity in the Sudan which is driven by the combined impacts of armed conflict, drought, COVID-19, low production of key staple crops related to infestation by pests and diseases, and economic turmoil.
According to the FAO Humanitarian Response Plan 2022 for the Sudan, 10.9 million people or 30 percent of Sudanese are expected to need life‑sustaining support in 2022, the highest number in the past decade.
In response to the dire food security situation - a situation which risks being further exacerbated by the cascading effects of the Ukraine conflict, FAO has launched a new project funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which aims to restore the food security and nutrition of affected farming and pastoral communities in the Sudan through provision of emergency agriculture and livestock supplies.
This vital $12 million contribution from CERF - the largest single allocation to FAO by CERF to date - will support urgent efforts to build the resilience of resource-poor farmers and pastoralists in the Sudan’s 14 most severely affected counties.
“This generous contribution from CERF means that FAO can urgently provide essential agricultural inputs to vulnerable farming households before the main agriculture season starts in June. It will ensure that they can produce enough food to meet their needs for the months to come,” said Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Representative to the Sudan.
Responding to crises and building resilience
The project will target 180 000 households or 900 000 people among the most vulnerable farming and pastoralist communities including internally displaced people, returnees, refugees and resident households. With two‑thirds of the population living in the Sudan’s rural areas, providing smallholder farmers with agricultural support is essential to the humanitarian response.
The project covers both agricultural and livestock assistance, which aims at rapidly reducing dependence on emergency food assistance and provides a basis for medium- and longer-term recovery. This assistance includes the provision of certified crop, legume and vegetable seeds, donkey ploughs and hand tools, veterinary vaccines and drugs, animal protein-rich concentrate feed, and mineral licks; as well as donkey carts and productive animals. It also includes provision of cash and the rehabilitation of community productive assets such as small-scale water infrastructure, hafirs, pasture and other.
The situation looks grim for millions as the war in Ukraine is causing further spikes in food prices, as the Sudan is dependent on wheat imports from the Black Sea region. Interruption to the flow of grain into the Sudan will increase prices and make it more difficult to import wheat. Currently, local prices of wheat are at over $550 per tonne – an increase of 180 percent compared with the same period in 2021.
Furthermore, the current high prices for fertilizers on global markets will inevitably weigh in Sudan’s ability to import, potentially jeopardising the country’s ongoing and upcoming crops.
For these reasons, this CERF allocation is timely and vital. In addition, FAO urgently needs another $35 million to ensure adequate support for two million vulnerable farming and pastoral households to produce their own food, keep their livestock alive and productive, strengthening their resilience.
1 of 5

Story
23 February 2022
Nutrition lays the groundwork for peace
By Leni Kinzli
Conflict breeds hunger, it destroys livelihoods, disrupts basic services such as healthcare and education, and forces people from their homes.
Mohammed should know – he was forced to flee his village in eastern Sudan after conflict broke out in 1994 between the East Sudan Front and the Sudanese Government.
“Besides our family becoming separated, the most difficult thing was leaving our homes and village and not knowing when we would return,” says Mohammed.
The signing of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement in 2006 brought an end to conflict but not to hunger. Today, Mohammed’s village of Tahadai Osis is one of the most food-insecure places in eastern Sudan, where over 65 percent of children are affected by stunting (impaired growth and development that children experience as a consequence of poor nutrition).
Still, by 2014 Mohammed felt safe enough to return to his village. Seven years on, however, he finds he is struggling to make ends meet.
With “no [formal] education it has been very hard for me to provide for my family’s day-to-day needs,” he says.
In 2019, the World Food Programme (WFP), with funding from the European Union, launched a project to address the causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in eastern Sudan.
Cash assistance was provided to 350 Tahadai Osis residents as they worked on local infrastructure projects such as rehabilitating a school and the school’s farm, repairing a solar-powered water tank, building pipelines to connect the village to clean water, and building flood prevention measures such as earth-retaining walls and soil dams.
The community were introduced to poultry farming and educated on the nutritional benefits of eggs which are not traditionally consumed in this region. Some of the eggs are used to make breakfast for children at a nearby WFP-supported school and any surplus is sold on, with profits ploughed back into the farm.
Mohammed and his wife Madina have started their own poultry farm which enables them to improve the diets of their three daughters – one of whom suffered from malnutrition before the family sought help at a WFP-supported clinic.
“I cook the eggs for my daughters who really like them,” says Madina, “We sell any extra eggs which enables us to buy other basic necessities.”
Children aged under-5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women are also screened for malnutrition at a WFP-supported clinic in Tahadai Osis. Those affected are provided with nutritional supplements that are packed with vitamins and minerals and rich in protein.
Community volunteers also go door-to-door educating families on the importance of a healthy diet and hygiene measures which help to prevent malnutrition.
“Volunteers came to my house and taught me about the importance of screening my children for malnutrition and how to prevent it,” says Madina. “I am now more aware of my family’s health and nutrition needs.”
Improving the food security of families like Mohammed’s has contributed to peace and stability in the region and is encouraging others who fled conflict to return to their villages.
“WFP has helped us to establish a foundation for our community to thrive,” says Karrar, a poultry-keeper from the village. “Access to clean water supports our livelihood activities and we have learnt how to rear chickens and to grow a variety of vegetables which has improved our diets.”
WFP’s activities in Tahadai Osis village are part of a project entitled ’Improving nutrition and reducing stunting in eastern Sudan through an integrated nutrition and food security approach’. This work has been possible thanks to generous contributions from the European Union and the work of WFP’s implementing partner Sudan Vision.
1 of 5

Story
21 December 2022
WHO leading the humanitarian response to the escalation of violence in Sudan’s Blue Nile State
A recent wave of conflict between 2 rival camps in Sudan’s Blue Nile State – Hausa and Fonj-Hamaj – has reportedly led to 300 people killed and another 236 injured since 13 October 2022. Along with limiting access to health facilities, this precarious situation has also resulted in the cessation of farming, trade, and daily activities, as well as the displacement of 71 406 individuals, who fled their homes to adjacent shelter camps for internally displaced populations (IDPs). WHO was among the first respondents to the health emergencies resulting from the escalation of violence.
Along with handing the State Ministry of Health trauma and emergency surgery kits for 300 major interventions, and interagency emergency health kits to cover the basic health needs of 30 000 IDPs for 3 months, WHO also deployed a team of emergency medical specialists to Damazine main hospital, which receives a high burden of injuries on a daily basis.
Since October 2022, WHO has also been supporting the operational costs of 4 mobile clinics in several of the state’s towns – notably in Wd Elmahi and Gaisan localities – as well as organizing training on mass casualty management for the Damazine Hospital medical staff.
“A team from WHO’s Emergency Response Programme was deployed to assess more populous IDP camps (Alqasam and Abo Alfayd in Damazine; Omer Al Mokhtar, Nusaiba Bint Kaab and Hanim Rizq in Rosairis), identify critical gaps, and provide technical support to the State Ministry of Health and IDPs with needed interventions. The Organization has also led the Health Cluster in daily Emergency Operations Centre meetings to coordinate an efficient response,” said Dr Ni’ma Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Sudan.
While food is secured through the World Food Programme – who donated seeds, grain, sugar, wheat, and oil to most camps –medicines, vaccines and medical supplies have been secured by WHO to cover the next 3 months.
Beside maintaining active surveillance for outbreak-potential diseases, WHO is developing a plan to support water, sanitation and hygiene activities in IDP gathering areas. Further needs of the IDP camps include protection and security, as individuals from both ethnicities reside unguarded with no physical barriers to protect against attack. As no schooling activity was observed in any camp, the schooling of children is also a high-priority need. Other urgent needs include increasing the number of toilets and latrines, improving hygiene and raising community awareness. While water is secured in all camps, mostly through the city network which does not require monitoring, Omer Al Mokhtar camp needs chlorination and monitoring as its water source is a tanker filled on a daily basis.
WHO and partner UN agencies, along with international and national nongovernmental organizations, are working closely with counterpart state ministries to secure improved living conditions for IDPs and initiate peace agreements across the region.
1 of 5

Story
12 December 2022
Supporting local peace and development initiatives and providing life-saving humanitarian aid
Our UN team in Sudan, led by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Khardiata Lo N'Diaye, is supporting local peace and development initiatives while providing life-saving humanitarian aid in Central Darfur.
Central Darfur is facing high levels of violence, insecurity, and displacement. With the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are training 180 young people to promote peace in their communities and access civic spaces from which they have been excluded.
For their part, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are collecting data to better inform effective programming for higher impact.
Through the US$20 million Darfur programme, the UN Children's Fund, UNDP, and UNHCR have implemented initiatives to strengthen the rule of law and provide essential services.
The UN team helped set up a dozen community reconciliation committees to resolve conflicts with an 89 per cent success rate, provided 56,600 people with access to water, and enabled 5,657 people to obtain civil registration documents to access essential services and register land.
1 of 5

Story
06 October 2022
UN-Habitat and UNESCO promote vernacular architecture to enhance Socio-cultural sustainability in Sudan
UN-Habitat together with its partner UNESCO have conducted the “Joint Workshop for Young Architects on Promotion of Vernacular Architecture to Enhance Socio-cultural Sustainability”, at Petronas Complex Conference Hall, Khartoum, with the attendance of around 30 youth representatives with the profession of architect and urban planning coming from seven universities in Sudan. The workshop was divided into five working groups with the lead of five experts in the domain of architecture and socio-cultural sustainability.
Historically, vernacular architecture in Sudan has a great variety: the vernacular human settlements, hamlets and villages that materializes inhabitant’s desire and capacity to exchange and co-existence under the social and cultural differences, and to maintain the conditions of social cohesions.
UN-Habitat/UNESCO joint initiative aimed to hear the voice and ideas of youth who represent around two thirds of population in Sudan, to promote the preservation of Sudanese vernacular architecture, use of local building materials, and brainstorm on the methods, ways, and design alternatives to conservation of vernacular architecture and human settlements.
Mr. Masayuki Yokota, Head of Country Programme, UN-Habitat Sudan, welcomed attendees and appreciated active preparatory works by the youth and the experts, and highlighted the importance of UN-Habitat’s support to youth empowerment for the contribution to the creation of better urban future and sustainable urbanization without leaving valuable socio-cultural assets of Sudanese community behind. Mr. Yokota also emphasized importance of the joint-inclusive exercise to unlock opportunities to progress the 2030 Agenda in particular SDG11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and one of its target 11.4 as a common objective of UN-Habitat and UNESCO. He also indicated’ it’s our duty to support creating platforms for youth to brainstorm and to innovate on sustaining socio-cultural assets of the country’s urbanization process, capacitate them, as youth are key agents to the development and peace for Sudan.
In his opening remarks, Mr. George Papagiannis, Head of the UNESCO Office in Khartoum, Sudan, underlined that historically the built environment is organized and based on the needs of a community, and it is a direct representation of its identity; it reflects traditions, culture, and norms. Mr. Papagiannis emphasized that UNESCO is supporting these cultural sectors that is necessity for the future of the country. He also encouraged the young architects and urban planners to seize this opportunity to express their ideas, and perceptions on preservation of Sudanese culture and promote socio cultural sustainability.
Ms. Layla Osman, as an expert highlighted the need to prenservation of Sudanese culture, and utilization of Sudanese unique cultural phenomenon, for example, the tradition of Tea Ladies as an example of culture and gender work. A participant Mr. Abubakr Amer, young architect, commented ‘it was a great opportunity to meet experts in the domain of Vernacular architecture and culture, share knowledge and exchange experiences with other Sudanese practitioners. Another participant Ms. Esraa Abdelaziz, young architect, said ‘We learned about many types of local building materials, and structure alternatives that changed our perspective on use of materials in future design.
During the workshop, active participatory approach was applied during the sessions, as participants young architects were divided into 5 groups, facilitated by expert architects/conservation specialists, who worked together to propose design ideas to different exercises, the results were innovative proposals inspired by Sudanese culture on five different exercises such as Tea Ladies shaded seating structures, culture café in the national museum, accommodation facilities in Jabal Marra and Wadi Halfa, among others.
To scale up the workshop activity, the participants created a social media platform to share ideas and build on the outcomes of the workshop. In addition, UN-Habitat and UNESCO continuously engage the attendees to seek substantive actions for applying the recommendations on sustaining socio-cultural assets of the country.
1 of 5

Story
03 August 2022
Crossing lines: Development driving collaboration in South Kordofan’s disputed areas
In Sudan’s South Kordofan, a history of conflict and underdevelopment means access to basic services is limited. While hostilities have ended, armed group SPLM-N (al-Hilu) retain control over several surrounding areas, with access limitations
But, UNDP-supported community development in El Abbasiya – in Government-controlled territory – is creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration, and living condition improvements on both sides
Community efforts have seen water access improved for 13,500 people in the area, and access to energy expanded for several communities
“The people here need training and opportunities, youth are energetic but need development projects. As the saying goes: ‘Don’t give me a fish but teach me how to fish’. We prefer development projects over humanitarian assistance because the latter make people dependent.” - Mamoun Salih Babiker, 27, community leader and local development project manager
At 27, State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare worker Mamoun Salih Babiker (above left) is passionate about creating opportunities and driving development in his community, addressing the significant needs that exist.
Improvements to limited services are being made – driven by a determined group of young people making up Al Abassiya’s Community Management Committee (above).
Describing the situation, Mamoun is frank: “There are opportunities in our area, like agriculture and business, but people need support. As a committee we work to help people. Our parents paid for our education, they need our help now, we are paying back less than they gave us.”
Mamoun leads the six-strong committee, one of 68 across Sudan, driving local development and peacebuilding initiatives. They draw on UNDP-provided management and mediation training, as well as agricultural machinery and supplies, including a generator.
Uniquely, this committee includes representatives from Al Abassiya – and SPLM-N (al-Hilu) – with both sides using the partnership to improve basic services, and relations between the two areas.
“We had existing water pumps in the village, but they had broken down, and increasing gasoline prices meant there was no fuel for the generator and pump and no revenue to cover these expenses,” explains Mamoun. “We offered to solve the problem.”
“We raised funds by renting out our tractor and accessories, had the pump fixed by local experts, and kept the tap free for people who couldn’t pay.”
“A barrel of water costs money – about 500SDGs – and some people cannot afford this. With the pump providing free water, people are able to use it for drinking water, home use and agriculture, and put that money towards other things.”
The committee also adopted a creative approach to helping young people and others on both sides of the disputed area.
Discussing energy access needs in his area, 26-year-old committee member and SPLM-N liaison Abdelbaqi Ahmed Abdelrahim (top image, right) says:
“The community has some needs, so we made the generator available to them [in SPLM-N (al-Hilu) areas], they can borrow it for events or to rent out if they need financial support.”
The committee decided to make the generator available free of charge, particularly for vulnerable groups like internally displaced people, to those in the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) areas who required it.
“The generator helps hundreds of people, anyone can ask for it, it moves back and forth a lot as needed, particularly for the wedding season in December.”
Originally from a nearby village, but now relocated to El Abbasiya, Abdelbaqi joined SPLM-N (al-Hilu) while studying at university. He felt compelled to support the committee as, “I stand by the community and youth – I believe in any project that will add value.”
Members of El Abbasiya’s Community Management Committee include: Mamoun Salih Babiker (Chairperson, 27), Abdelbaqi Ahmed Abdelrahim (26), Tarig Ahmed Adam, Hassan Mohamed Ebed, Najda Ali Adam (29, head of peacebuilding subcommittee), and Mona Adam Alamin.
Peace and stability are essential for development in Sudan. That makes them UNDP’s top priority. Our approach provides support on the national, state and local levels, combining efforts to address conflicts and their root causes. We aim to improve access to basic services, employment opportunities and fulfilment of essential needs for people all over the country. Additionally, we implement peacebuilding initiatives and provide conflict mediation to address problems when they occur. In 2021, UNDP supported over 1.5 million of Sudan’s most conflict-vulnerable people through stabilization projects.
1 of 5

Story
21 August 2022
Strengthening Sudan’s fragile peace
The killing of protestors by security services during large-scale demonstrations in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in June underscores the ongoing political tensions in the country. Against this backdrop, the UN is committed to sustain and build peace in Sudan, say UN Resident Coordinator Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, and Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.
“The military coup of 25 October 2021 plunged Sudan into a political crisis with profound implications for the country’s development and peacebuilding prospects.
It also presented donors with a difficult question: how do we uphold our commitment to supporting Sudan’s most vulnerable without legitimizing an unconstitutional change?
While political crises clearly present challenges for international donors, the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) is working to respond to such crises in a targeted and strategic way to ensure that essential support continues to reach those who need it most.
Peacebuilding projects expand
Against a backdrop of political tensions, inter-communal conflicts, large-scale displacement, economic crises, deepening inequalities, rising unemployment, devastating floods and popular protests for democratic reforms, the PBF has remained active in Sudan.
The PBF has the advantage of being an agile, adaptable and demand driven fund, enabling it to provide desperately needed funding even in high-risk environments like Sudan. Since the coup, the PBF's active portfolio and project pipeline has grown to cover twelve states, demonstrating that when crises strike, its commitment does not falter - it strengthens.
Alongside other projects – including its flagship programme which works to strengthen the rule of law and support local peacebuilding across the five Darfur states – the PBF added six new projects to the portfolio in 2021, with four more in the pipeline.
These pipeline projects include a new initiative in the disputed territory of Abyei and a USD 10 million investment in East Sudan, both of which adopt an area-based approach to stabilizing conflict-affected communities and enhancing their resilience to future crisis.
Based on an assessment of conflict hotspots and key conflict drivers for each area, the projects leverage the expertise of four UN agencies - UNICEF, UNDP, IOM and FAO to help restore access to basic services, including water and sanitation, roll out livelihoods support and job creation schemes, and strengthen community-level conflict resolution and natural resource management bodies.
Empowering local communities
So how do we navigate the complex political landscape to ensure support reaches those who need it most?
Part of the answer lies in the PBF’s community-based approach, which empowers local communities, promotes inclusive participation and strengthens the capacities of local governance and other community structures. In addition, this approach helps to improve relationships between different actors; fosters local ownership; directs funding to community-based organizations by expanding partnerships with CSOs; and foregrounds women and youth as agents of peaceful change and inclusive development.
With Sudan’s peacebuilding trajectory remaining fragile and uncertain, support from the international community - at the right time and in a targeted way - is critical. The question, then, is not whether development and peacebuilding partners should remain engaged, but how to remain engaged. Through its investments, the PBF is empowering local stakeholders to respond to the rapidly evolving situation on the ground in Sudan and ensuring relevant and reliable support to those who need it most”.
1 of 5

Press Release
02 February 2023
UN rights expert Radhouane Nouicer’s statement at end of first official visit
Sudan: UN rights expert Radhouane Nouicer’s statement at end of first official visit
Khartoum, 2 February 2023
Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming.
As you may be aware, I was appointed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights as his Designated Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan in December, succeeding Adama Dieng. During this visit to Sudan, the first in my official capacity, I have met with the authorities, civil society, and victims of human rights violations in Khartoum and in West Darfur. I have also held meetings with members of the diplomatic community and the UN country team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the authorities in Sudan for their cooperation with my mandate, their support for my visit, and for the frank and constructive discussions we have had on human rights issues. I welcome the commitments made in my meetings with them to address the concerns I raised.
Four years ago, when Sudanese women, men and youth took to the streets demanding respect for their rights, full of hope for a safer and more just future, the world was watching in support. Sudan today stands at a critical crossroads. A new phase of the transition is urgently needed to continue the process towards democracy that was interrupted by the October 2021 military takeover and meet the population’s demands for freedom, peace, and justice.
I welcome the important human rights commitments in the Framework Agreement that was signed between civilian political forces and the military in December last year and hope that roadmaps will be soon established to address all five outstanding issues, with broad participation of concerned parties in an inclusive dialogue, so that a final agreement can be signed and a civilian government appointed. Resumption of legal and institutional reform, with the participation of civil society, must be a priority for a new government. Human rights and accountability must be central to the next government’s program.
That Sudan faces huge challenges was brought into clearer focus to me in my various meetings. In El Geneina, I met people who had been repeatedly displaced as a result of armed attacks against their communities, for which, to my understanding, no one has been held accountable. Some have been displaced for nearly 20 years but still hold hope that they will one day be able to return safely to their homes and lands. For that, they need security, and a political commitment to resolve the underlying causes of conflict. Implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement and the National Action Plan for the Protection of Civilians can help to resolve some of these issues. Failure to take action to protect the population will lead to further conflict and an increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
The message of the victims and civil society representatives I have met is clear and I fully endorse it: all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses committed during Sudan’s conflicts must be held to account, in accordance with due process and without unjustified delays. This is the message I delivered to the authorities. Accountability and transitional justice require a process and credible mechanisms that address past crimes, their root causes, and prevent recurrence.
From my meetings with a large number of civil society representatives, including women and young people, I got a clear sense of a lack of confidence in the way things are going - an uncertainty about the future. Many reported increased restrictions on their activities, including increased bureaucracy, denial of NGO registration and undue scrutiny of their funding. They felt that the space that had opened for civil society during the transition is being closed again. A robust and diverse civil society is fundamental to democracy, and serious steps towards building trust between the population and state institutions is key for the success of any political process. Without political stability, the environment will not be conducive to improvement of the human rights situation.
In my meetings with the authorities, I raised several interlinked issues and made to them the following recommendations:
To urgently address issues of accountability of security forces to the population within a framework of democratic civilian oversight, rule of law and respect for human rights. This should include a clear roadmap for security sector reform. As has been documented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, human rights violations since the military takeover have included excessive use of force against protestors, arbitrary arrest and detentions of political opponents and civil society activists, torture and ill-treatment, attacks against hospitals and medical personnel, sexual violence and restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression. The committees established to investigate the human rights violations committed since the military takeover have not yet submitted their findings. The immunity from prosecution of members of the security forces implicated in human rights violations must be lifted. Victims and their families are waiting for justice, and Sudan’s future depends on the way the authorities address cases of accountability in Khartoum, Darfur, and in every region in the country.
Establishing the Transitional Justice Commission, as per the law adopted in 2021, must be a priority in the coming period. I urge the Sudanese authorities to uphold their commitment to set up a comprehensive victim-centred and gender-sensitive transitional justice process that will address all human rights violations and abuses, provide justice to the victims and prevent their recurrence,
Restrict the use of emergency legislation, in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Sudan has ratified. Emergency decrees have been used to detain people for long periods without respect for their due process rights, including the right to fair trial and representation. In West Darfur, I raised my concerns with the Wali and Security Committee about the impact of the decision to imprison hundreds of people without trial, many in other states. I welcome the release of most of them prior to my visit.
Guarantee the rights and protection of women. Women have been at the forefront of the peaceful protests and have since the coup been victims of violence, intimidation and harassment and seen a roll-back of the gains won under the transitional government. I urge the authorities to publicly commit to and implement a zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence and take measures to stop all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
The authorities should guarantee the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. I am deeply concerned by the retrogression of the enjoyment of these rights, including basic services, due to the deterioration in the economy, increased cost of living and pressure on the population as a result of increased taxes and fees, without increase in their income.
We are at a critical moment in Sudan’s history. For Sudan’s democratic transition to succeed, there must be solidarity among all sectors of this culturally rich and diverse society. The time has come for Sudanese leaders from all parties, military and civilian, whatever their political positions, to set aside their personal interests and work for the common good of the Sudanese people.
I would like to thank all those national and international actors working to help Sudan along the path of democracy, development and prosperity.
END
1 of 5
Press Release
30 January 2023
Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) on the killing of an aid worker in Blue Nile region
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the killing of a peacebuilding adviser who has been working for the United Nations. I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Volker Perthes.
On 27 January 2023, a contractor for Addition Organization for Disaster and Development (ADD), a local NGO and UN partner, was killed and an ADD staff member was injured after their vehicle came under fire at a checkpoint.
At the time of the killing, they were on their way to carry out peacebuilding activities in Giessan as part of a UN project to support post-conflict recovery, conflict resolution and conflict prevention in Blue Nile State. “I am profoundly distressed by the loss of life of a peacebuilding adviser, who, together with the UN, was committed to building bridges between communities. Aid workers must be respected and protected,” added Mr. Perthes.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) calls on the Sudanese authorities to take swift action to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice. He reaffirms that such acts will not diminish the resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and the Government of Sudan in their quest for peace and stability.
1 of 5
Press Release
15 December 2022
Norway, FAO sign USD15 million agreement to support Sudanese smallholders’ farmers and agro-pastoralists value chain in the face of climate change
On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sudan signed a four-year project agreement: ‘’FAO Sudan smallholders and agro-pastoralists value chain support in the face of climate change’’ worth of USD15 million to support 20 000 Sudanese smallholders’ farmers and agro-pastoralists value chain in the face of climate change.
Sudan is among the ten Sahelian countries in Africa with a tropical semi-arid climate. The agricultural sector contributes about 35 to 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 80% of the population, of which majority are smallholder farmers, agro-pastoralist, and pastoralist. The country’s agricultural livelihoods are heavily dependent on soil, water, and vegetation resources, making food and nutrition security highly sensitive and vulnerable to weather extremes and consequences of climate change and variability.
Other challenges facing Sudanese agriculture sector are the very low use of high-quality seeds and improved animal breeds among the rural farmers and pastoralists, thus affecting the overall agricultural productivity as well as access to markets and improved value chains.
With little resilience to climatic changes, economic and social shocks, smallholder farmers, and pastoralist have become extremely vulnerable to food and nutritional insecurity. The integrity of Sudan’s natural ecosystem and provision of ecosystem services are crucial to sustainable and resilient development in the face of changing climate. To address the challenges, the project will apply sustainable integrated watershed ecosystem management approaches as a unique opportunity to integrate climate change adaptation/ resilience and mitigation strategies to make agriculture crops, livestock, and fishery more productive for the benefit of 20000 smallholders’ farmers, pastoralists, youth, and women groups in White Nile, Gedaref and Sennar states.
The project is organized around four mutually interdependent results or intervention areas, to address (1) Watershed ecosystem adaptive and mitigation capacities enhanced, (2) Climate-resilient agriculture value chain development of key agriculture commodities, access to market and linkages with the private sector are strengthened, (3) Better access to improved and high quality seeds and enhanced scope to community seed production and (4) Knowledge and institutional capacities of federal government and decentralized state levels to support smallholder farmers and pastoralists to respond to climate change challenges.
The project duration is 4 years from December 2022 to November 2026, starting with a six-month Inception Phase wherein FAO and in consultation with key stakeholders, will further elaborate the project implementation strategy in all key areas of results, activities, geographical locations, selection of beneficiaries and other implementation arrangements.
‘’This is a complex and multi-dimensional project, which benefits from USD15 million generous funding from the Embassy of Norway in Sudan to address the root causes of agriculture under performance for a sustainable agro-food systems transformation contributing to the achievement of the SDG 2: “Zero Hunger Goal of leave no one behand in Sudan’’, says Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Representative in Sudan.
1 of 5
Press Release
14 December 2022
Statement by the Huamanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on the launch of the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan
Khartoum - The humanitarian community in Sudan launches the 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) to address the most immediate and critical needs of 12.5 million of the most vulnerable people in Sudan seeking generous contributions from donors at US$1.7 billion.
“The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan we launched today is the result of months-long consultations and efforts to find the best possible way to meet the food, water and sanitation, health, protection, education and other needs of the 12.5 million most vulnerable people in Sudan,” the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Mrs. Khardiata Lo Ndiaye said.
In 2023, a total of 15.8 million people – almost one third of the country’s population – are estimated to need humanitarian assistance. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023 is the highest in a decade.
These needs are driven by conflict, increasing protection of civilians risks, the economic deterioration, natural hazards and persistent disease outbreaks.
In addition, there have been unprecedented spikes in acute food insecurity due to dry spells and erratic rains, and high inflation for food and other commodities.
“I would like to thank all our government counterparts, donors and partners for their continued support and engagement with humanitarian action in Sudan. I would like to urge our generous donors to provide early and expedient funding for the HRP 2023 to allow us to sustain humanitarian operations and provide timely response to various crises,” the Humanitarian Coordinator said.
In 2022, humanitarian organizations reached 9.1 million of the most vulnerable people across Sudan with some form of humanitarian assistance.
***
For further information, please contact:
OCHA Sudan
Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications: +249 912 174456 | WhatsApp: +249 912 174456 | karlsson2@un.org
“The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan we launched today is the result of months-long consultations and efforts to find the best possible way to meet the food, water and sanitation, health, protection, education and other needs of the 12.5 million most vulnerable people in Sudan,” the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Mrs. Khardiata Lo Ndiaye said.
In 2023, a total of 15.8 million people – almost one third of the country’s population – are estimated to need humanitarian assistance. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023 is the highest in a decade.
These needs are driven by conflict, increasing protection of civilians risks, the economic deterioration, natural hazards and persistent disease outbreaks.
In addition, there have been unprecedented spikes in acute food insecurity due to dry spells and erratic rains, and high inflation for food and other commodities.
“I would like to thank all our government counterparts, donors and partners for their continued support and engagement with humanitarian action in Sudan. I would like to urge our generous donors to provide early and expedient funding for the HRP 2023 to allow us to sustain humanitarian operations and provide timely response to various crises,” the Humanitarian Coordinator said.
In 2022, humanitarian organizations reached 9.1 million of the most vulnerable people across Sudan with some form of humanitarian assistance.
***
For further information, please contact:
OCHA Sudan
Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications: +249 912 174456 | WhatsApp: +249 912 174456 | karlsson2@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
11 December 2022
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Sudan
The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of a framework agreement between civilian political forces and the military in Sudan. He hopes that this can pave the way for the return to a civilian-led transition in the country. He calls on all Sudanese stakeholders to work without delay on the next phase of the transition process to address outstanding issues with a view to achieving a lasting, inclusive political settlement.
The United Nations, through the Trilateral Mechanism comprised of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), remains committed to supporting the process going forward.
The Secretary-General reaffirms that the United Nations will continue to support the aspirations of the Sudanese people for democracy, peace and sustainable development.
The Secretary-General reaffirms that the United Nations will continue to support the aspirations of the Sudanese people for democracy, peace and sustainable development.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
16 June 2022
Resources
21 December 2021
1 / 11