Since the outbreak of hostilities in Sudan in April 2023, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need for an end to the conflict, protection of civilians, maintenance of humanitarian access, and for civil society to be placed at the centre of Sudan’s political future.
As a member of the UN Security Council in 2021/2022, Ireland advocated for the maintenance of the partial arms embargo on Sudan. In June 2023, as the conflict showed no signs of abating, Ireland initiated calls within the EU for use of additional sanctions tools and worked to ensure that a new EU autonomous sanctions framework was adopted in October. It targets those impeding peace efforts, perpetrating civilian harm and obstructing humanitarian access. We continue to condemn any actions which will prolong the conflict, including provision of weapons to either party.
At the Human Rights Council, Ireland has advocated for a ceasefire, an end to attacks on civilians, and protection of humanitarian access. In October, the Council established a Fact Finding Mission, charged with investigating human rights violations in Sudan. Ireland is also working with partners which support human rights defenders and civil society in Sudan, engage in peace mediation and inclusive dialogue, and promote transitional justice.
Over 42% of Sudan’s population – more than 20 million people – are facing hunger. To date in 2023, Ireland has provided over €7 million in assistance to the people of Sudan, including through contributions to the UN Sudan Humanitarian Fund (€4 million) and NGOs such as GOAL, Concern, Plan International and Trócaire. Additional funding has been provided to NGOs working in neighbouring countries hosting Sudanese refugees.
Ireland has provided €25 million this year in core funding to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), whose emergency operations in Sudan are providing both food and cash inputs.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is also providing emergency assistance and protection to people affected by the conflict. In March, Ireland signed a new three year agreement with the ICRC committing to a minimum of €10 million in funding annually for 2023-2025.
Ireland also provides annual funding to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), amounting to €12.5 million in 2023. CERF has allocated over $60 million to organisations operating in Sudan in 2023.
Ireland will continue to work with EU and other partners to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan and support a return to the democratic transition so urgently needed.
