Norway provides NOK 50 million to alleviate humanitarian crisis in Sudan

On 9 July, Africa’s largest country will be divided, and the state of South Sudan will come into being. In recent weeks, there has once again been fighting in the border areas. Norway is now providing an additional NOK 50 million for humanitarian relief in Sudan.

Over the past month, nearly 200 000 people have been forced to flee, and an unknown number have been killed.

“The situation for the civilian population in the border areas is extremely serious. There are worrying reports of attacks on civilians. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure access for humanitarian relief. Norway is now providing additional funds to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population. We also encourage other donor countries to assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The peace process in Sudan is now in a critical phase. On 20 June, the parties agreed on a security agreement for the Abyei region. They are still negotiating about Southern Kordofan and outstanding issues concerning the future relations between the north and the south.

“There is still a great need for humanitarian relief in Sudan. The funds provided by Norway will help to alleviate the suffering of people in the border areas. We are also providing support for building up pre-positioned stocks of food and other emergency supplies in case the situation for people on the ground deteriorates,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

On 9 July, Mr Solheim will take part in the celebration of independence in Juba, the capital of the new state of South Sudan.

Sudan is the African country that receives most Norwegian aid. Norway is heavily engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts, development cooperation and humanitarian relief. So far this year, Norway has provided NOK 235 million to meet humanitarian needs in Sudan.

Sixty per cent of Norway’s additional contribution will be allocated to the Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund, which has been established to target funds to the most critical humanitarian needs through humanitarian projects run by the UN and partner agencies. The remaining money will be disbursed for measures such as capacity-building in the South Sudanese Red Cross and providing clean water and sanitary facilities to displaced people and vulnerable groups. Norway also supports the UN’s coordinating role in southern Sudan.

Press contact, Secretariat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Communications Adviser Mariam Naqvi, +47 980 08 233

Press contact, Secretariat of the Minister of the Environment and International Development: Communications Adviser Ragnhild H. Simenstad +47 917 17 459