Sudan conflict: People with disabilities hardest hit by forgotten humanitarian crisis

Press Release | London, 11t April 2024, 16:00 GMT

The needs as a result of the Sudan conflict are immense in all sectors of humanitarian aid: 25 million people need humanitarian aid and protection, more than 10 million have been displaced, and almost 15,000 people have lost their lives.
People with disabilities are the hardest hit, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) team member says: “I met countless people with bullet wounds, as well as amputees, people with paralysis, and those with intellectual disabilities. The harsh reality is that the specific needs of these people are simply not being met."
HI is providing aid such as rehabilitation care, mental health support and access to humanitarian aid for vulnerable and disabled people displaced in Egypt, Chad and soon for people inside Sudan

15th April will mark the first anniversary of the conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This forgotten conflict is having devastating consequences: 25 million people need humanitarian aid and protection, more than 10 million have been displaced, and almost 15,000 people have lost their lives.

People with disabilities are the hardest hit by the crisis

The needs are immense in all sectors of humanitarian aid. Vulnerable populations and people with disabilities are especially impacted by the crisis - whether disabilities are pre-existing or the result of violence inflicted on civilians.

"Time and again in humanitarian crises we see that the needs of the most vulnerable, especially people with disabilities, are overlooked or forgotten. In eastern Chad, the needs are so great compared to the available funds that people are simply not receiving even close to the level of support they need." said Tom Shelton, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) UK 's Communication Manager.

“In the informal camps surrounding Adré, I met countless people with bullet wounds, as well as amputees, people with paralysis, and those with intellectual disabilities. The harsh reality is that the specific needs of these people are simply not being met." Explains Shelton.

"One young woman, Nawali, was stuck in a small, stuffy makeshift shelter in the informal camp. Paralysed since childhood, she only went outside to drag herself 20 metres across the ground to reach the toilet, which itself was totally inaccessible for a person in her situation. It was painful to watch this educated young woman who had an active, independent life in Sudan, having to live in such degrading conditions."

HI is providing support to the most vulnerable people

"Since the start of the conflict, Humanity & Inclusion has been providing aid and developing services for displaced people in Egypt and Chad. Our teams are working to strengthen local health systems and build the capacity of local NGOs in physical rehabilitation, mental health and access to humanitarian aid for people with disabilities. Inside Sudan, we are starting activities in these same areas by providing financial and technical support to local partners. The needs in these areas are barely covered, if at all. Nearly a year after the start of the conflict, it is still very difficult for us to work. There is a real issue in terms of access to the different areas and to funding, without which the protection of civilians and assistance to victims cannot be guaranteed", explains Fanny Mraz, HI's Emergency Director.

OCHA estimates that 2.7 billion dollars will be needed in 2024 to support the population, which is exposed to danger on a daily basis. In 2023, only 43% of this was covered: funding is a major issue given the scale of the emergency.
Access to Sudanese territory is still limited for international NGOs, and it is crucial that they are able to intervene to deliver aid wherever it is needed.