The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Millions have been displaced, famine is spreading, and access to healthcare and basic items is collapsing.
To understand the scale of the situation and how you can help, we spoke with Sarah Robinson, our Programme Funding Manager, who shared insights into the devastating impact of the war and what can be done to support people affected.
What problems are people facing in Sudan?
People in Sudan continue to be immensely impacted by the conflict which began in April 2023. The war has caused one of the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crises.
Sudanese families have been forced to flee their homes with little or no possessions. Famine has been declared in several parts of the country and lack of food is affecting most people in Sudan. Healthcare services and facilities have been targeted by military groups, resulting in huge gaps in medical support.
What is happening in El Fasher, North Darfur?
For over 500 days, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, besieged El Fasher with widespread and consistent fighting with the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). On 26 October 2025, the RSF broke the siege and defeated SAF and took control of the area.
It’s been reported that several thousand people have been killed and nearly 89,000 people have been displaced as of 4 November. Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in El Fasher and unable to escape to safety. Humanitarian access to El Fasher is severely restricted, meaning providing aid to people inside the area is incredibly challenging. The population is running out of food and essential supplies.
What are the living conditions like and how are people being affected?
People in Sudan, especially in El Fasher and other parts of North Darfur, are facing extreme hardship. Many have been forced to flee their homes and are now living without basic necessities. Shelter is scarce – some families are sleeping in the open or using makeshift materials that offer little protection.
Food is in critically short supply. Many people can’t find enough to eat, often surviving on just one meal a day. In some areas, famine has already been declared.
Water and sanitation services are overwhelmed. Clean water is hard to come by, and the lack of proper sanitation has contributed to a growing cholera outbreak.
The humanitarian crisis is escalating rapidly, and the need for urgent support is greater than ever.
What impact is the war having on families, women and children?
Over 150,000 people have been killed in the Sudan conflict and approximately 12.4 million people have been forced to leave their homes, with nearly 9 million people displaced within Sudan. Many families have been separated, often missing a male household member. Women-headed and child-headed households are common.
In Chad, 87% of Sudanese refugees are women and children. Gender-based violence, especially targeting women and girls, is widespread. Families have endured, and continue to endure, unspeakable levels of trauma.
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What impact is the war having on the wider region?
Countries bordering Sudan have received hundreds of thousands of refugees. In Chad alone, 1,458,035 refugees have been registered. The sheer number of people and the nature of the displacement has put strain on already fragile government and social services.
South Sudan hosts over 500,000 refugees in border towns and states. The displacement crisis has increased border tensions and violence, and is putting pressure on already stretched services and facilities.
What can people do to support those affected?
We can talk about Sudan. Talk to our friends and family, our colleagues, our government representatives, anyone that will listen. Bringing awareness to the crisis is the first step in supporting those affected.
Give what you can to help those in need. It doesn’t need to be a lot. Every little bit helps. You can host fundraisers, seek sponsorship for a run or swim, or start a crowdfunding campaign.
Your support will go a long way in making a difference in people’s lives.
How ShelterBox is responding
ShelterBox continues to monitor the situation closely and work with partners to find safe ways to deliver aid to displaced families. Our project in Chad is supporting thousands of people fleeing violence in Sudan.
From emergency shelter to essential household items, our aim is to support people through their recovery journey, helping to restore a sense of safety and dignity amid unimaginable hardship.
How you can help
- Donate: Even a small contribution can help provide vital shelter and supplies to families in need.
- Fundraise: Organise a community event, run, or online campaign to raise awareness and funds.
- Spread the word: Share stories like this one to keep the crisis in Sudan visible.
Together, we can help make sure the people of Sudan are not forgotten.
The heading image captures Fatima and her family in an emergency shelter in Chad, after fleeing the Sudanese war. It was taken during distributions in Chad earlier this year.
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