The Sudan Humanitarian Crisis Conference 2023, held from November 18 to 20 in Cairo, Egypt, was organized by Fikra for Studies and Development in collaboration with various partners, including the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of the Sudan (OGSS), the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). The conference aimed to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which had intensified following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Objectives and Themes
Under the theme “Unleashing Hope: Revitalising Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan” the conference focused on several critical areas:

  • Social protection
  • Food security
  • Impact of war on the health system
  • Gender-based violence
  • Coordination and logistical challenges faced by relief organizations

The primary goal was to enhance collaboration between grassroots initiatives and international humanitarian organizations to develop a comprehensive framework for delivering aid amidst the ongoing conflict.

Participation and Discussions
The conference attracted over 420 participants, including more than 100 individuals from within Sudan representing Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) and first-line responders from all 18 states. Representatives of Sudanese refugees in countries such as Egypt, Chad, Kenya, and Uganda also attended, alongside members of diplomatic missions and international organizations active in Sudan. Over three days, participants engaged in plenary sessions and working groups, addressing the current humanitarian situation and formulating specific recommendations across the identified thematic areas.

Outcomes and Recommendations
The conference culminated in the release of an Executive Technical Report outlining key recommendations:

  • Localization and Coordination: Emphasized the need for improved coordination between local and international actors to ensure effective aid delivery.
  • Protection: Called for measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers amid ongoing hostilities.
  • Health: Highlighted the necessity of restoring and supporting health services disrupted by the conflict.
  • Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): Advocated for targeted interventions to address and prevent SGBV incidents.
  • Food Security: Stressed the importance of ensuring access to food and addressing malnutrition among affected populations.

The report also proposed a broad Plan of Action to implement these recommendations, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Download the final technical report