Resilience amidst Sudan’s ceaseless war: Supporting refugees to protect their communities

According to the UN, more than 9.3 million people have been newly displaced inside and outside Sudan since the breakout of the conflict on April 15, 2023. Even before the war, Sudan hosted more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and other neighbouring countries, and almost 4M million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

On Saturday April 15, a day that started like any other, Sudanese and refugees were preparing breakfast or getting ready for Ramadan supper when violence erupted. People from the refugee camps, sought shelter in nearby bushes, hoping to move to safer places soon. Wild fruits and leaves became their meals, while ponds of water quenched their thirst. It took them ages to cross the border. However, as the conflict intensified, many refugees remained trapped in Sudan, facing forced displacement once again.

EU-Supported Initiatives for Refugees and Migrants in Sudan

In light of Sudan's enduring challenges, the EU continues to effectively support refugees and displaced people. For years, the EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to aiding refugees and the local population in Sudan alike, fostering resilience through better access to health care, education and economic self-reliance initiatives. 

One such initiative is the "PROTECT" project “Protection of Persons of Concern (PoC) and vulnerable migrants along migratory routes in Sudan”, implemented by the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and the Danish Red Cross (DRC). The first phase of the project was funded through the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa from October 2020 to March 2024, to support refugees with essential basic needs and access to services in the states of Khartoum, Northern State, River Nile, and Red Sea. Due to its success and the need for increased efforts, the second phase, "Protect II," began in April 2024. This phase continues under the NDICI - the financial instrument for bilateral cooperation - and is implemented in Northern State, River Nile, and Red Sea State, as Khartoum is no longer accessible due to the intense conflict.

PROTECT provides vital assistance, including psychosocial support, ready-to-eat meals, recreational sessions such as sports activities and distribution of non-food items to new arrivals, thus bridging humanitarian with development activities.

Amal, heading a family of three, reflects on their journey spanning over two years in search of a safe haven: 

“Our journey began more than two years ago when we set out to find a safe place to call home. We discovered a sanctuary that offered us hope and the opportunity to rebuild our lives. In recent months, we have become familiar with the PROTECT project, which has been an incredible source of support. They provided us with food baskets, which were essential not only for sustenance but also for the well-being and joy of our children. Their actions have nourished our bodies, uplifted our spirits, and renewed our belief in the kindness of humanity.”

Furthermore, thanks to PROTECT, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) volunteers are trained to provide medical assistance to healthcare facilities, distribute medicines, and facilitate hygiene promotion and mental health awareness. 

The impact of the PROTECT project extends to the successful organisation of "Open Health Days,” by local communities, facilitating specialized health services and referrals to dedicated healthcare centres.

As protection is of paramount importance, the project has supported the establishment and expansion of 11 Humanitarian Service Points and the creation of referral pathways. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with most refugees facing economic hardships and struggling to secure meaningful livelihoods.

Nevertheless, the refugee community has shown remarkable resilience by forming support groups to navigate adversity together. The EU and PROTECT will continue to work towards improving access to healthcare and other essential services, enhancing protection, and developing long-term solutions to achieve stability and integration for refugees and displaced people.

Project Background & Results

The PROTECT project focuses on improving access to assistance and protection services for vulnerable migrants, including asylum seekers, refugees, stateless individuals, and those deemed irregular by authorities, particularly along the Northern migratory route.

Adopting a multi-sectoral, community-based approach, the project addresses critical needs such as shelter, food, water, sanitation, and healthcare, including mental health and psychosocial support. It also aims to combat abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence, by providing information, interpretation, and legal aid.

Recognising the challenges faced by host communities, the project also seeks to support these communities, who often struggle with poverty, economic hardship, and natural hazards, ensuring that their resources and tolerance are not overstretched by the influx of migrants.

The project reached a significant number of migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). In the Project’s first phase, up to 108,389 individuals were protected or assisted as of Dec. 2023.

In the second semester of 2023 alone, 32,051 people were assisted, with 24,924 individuals receiving food and non-food items, assistance, and protection services, including unaccompanied minors who received age-appropriate support and referrals.

Enhancing support through Complementary Projects

Apart from PROTECT, implemented by DRC, several other ongoing projects aim to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing migration and forced displacement in Sudan. For more information, please visit the EUTF’s country section for Sudan or the Delegation’s webpage.