Sudan at a glance

A Tragedy of Epic Proportions

The humanitarian situation in Sudan further deteriorated in 2007, despite the largest humanitarian operation in the world. The country continues to suffer from the impact of interrelated conflicts in the south and west, as well as from natural disasters and widespread poverty. Over 4.2 million people depend on humanitarian aid, and despite the controversial return of many people to their homes, over 2 million people remain internally displaced. Furthermore, the presence of the African Union Mission in Sudan has failed to halt violence against civilians and humanitarian agencies.

Despite massive funding – over US$1.5 billion – the humanitarian effort was hampered by insecurity and therefore limited humanitarian access. In fact, efficiency was sacrificed to security concerns. Funding saw a shift towards recovery programmes in the south, although Darfur continues to attract the lion’s share of funds. Despite some reported improvement on increasing flexible funding and that dedicated to linking relief and recovery, some donors were criticised for allocating funds according to visibility and politics rather than need, and for failing to support local capacity. Despite significant attention and funding, the international community has failed to adopt a shared, robust and effective approach to the crisis and the protection of humanitarian space.

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The ICRC (Red Cross) hospital at Lopiding, part of the international relief complex centered at Lokichokio in northwest Kenya. The 500-bed hospital has treated the wounded from both rebel and government sides, as well as civilians. Loss of limbs is common among soldiers brought here for treament, and prosthetics are designed, manufactured and fitted here. Above right, surgery on a child in one of the hospital’s operating theatres.