13th August 2024
London – 13th August 2024
Shabaka’s latest research into Sudan’s humanitarian crisis highlights the dangers faced by local community groups and networks, who are often first responders to the crisis, providing vital assistance to affected populations. The research calls for local responders to be recognised as aid workers and afforded greater protection.
Based on interviews and questionnaires with local responders, Shabaka reveals in this report that since the war in Sudan began in April 2023, at least 75 aid workers have been killed, wounded our kidnapped, of which 94% were Sudanese staff or volunteers for local or national organisations or networks.
In addition, with over 170 reports of sexual violence against civilians by the warring parties documented so far in the conflict, sexual violence was one of female responders’ main protection concerns.
Networks of local volunteers, community groups, and individuals are often first responders in crises. They play a critical role in Sudan, providing essential services such as food, healthcare, and community support to those affected by the conflict. These local responders often work in perilous situations, facing threats to their safety and wellbeing. Dozens have been killed or injured, and many have been arrested, detained, interrogated, or mistreated by the warring parties.
Millions of Sudanese people face hunger, displacement, and violence. However, international aid groups often struggle to reach affected communities due to a lack of humanitarian access. In addition, donor restrictions often limit provision of direct funding to local responders.
In response to this dire humanitarian situation, this report calls for greater recognition of, for local responders’ humanitarian activities and, improved advocacy for their protection.
It recommends that local responders be included in data collection on attacks, and that human rights organisations should document and report on abuses against local responders.
The report also calls for local responders to be provided with funding and training to develop suitable communication, security, and protection strategies.
Quotes
Elvina Quaison, Interim CEO of Shabaka, says:
“ Local responders in Sudan are carrying out vital humanitarian activities, at great risk to themselves. This timely report documents the dangers they face and calls for improved recognition and protection for their staff and volunteers. It also calls for additional training and resources to develop suitable communication, security, and protection strategies”.
Lucy Atim, SaferWorld’s Sudan Country Director, says:
“This important and timely report underlines the dangers local responders face in the Sudan conflict. It is essential that local responders’ humanitarian activities are recognised and that they are afforded greater protection”.
Key Features of the Report
- This report is based on qualitative research, including key informant interviews (KIIs) with over 30 first responders from April–June 2024.
- 75 first responders have been killed, wounded or kidnapped (71 local and 4 international).
- Sexual violence is a main concern of female responders, with 170 cases of sexual violence against civilians documented since the conflict began.
Read the report in full here.
Notes to the editor
This Shabaka report was commissioned by Saferworld and OCHA.
Founded in 2014, Shabaka is a research and consulting organisation committed to improving the lives of diaspora and migrant communities. Our mission is to enhance humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through innovative solutions, rigorous research, and strategic partnerships. For more information, visit Shabaka , or contact:
Vikas Malik/Comms Lead
+44 (0) 7973 266751
