€2 Million in funding for Sudan and South Sudan

Ongoing conflict is driving people to flee their homes, particularly in border areas between Sudan and South Sudan. Malnutrition rates are above emergency levels in both countries.

Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello T.D announces €2 million in emergency assistance for Sudan and South Sudan


Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D, today announced €2 million in funding to provide life-saving food, shelter, basic health care and water to the most vulnerable communities in Sudan and South Sudan.
Some 8.5 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance in both countries. Ongoing conflict is driving people to flee their homes, particularly in border areas between Sudan and South Sudan. Malnutrition rates are above emergency levels in both countries.

Minister Costello said:

“Tomorrow, July 9, marks the second anniversary of the independence of the Republic of South Sudan. It is the world’s newest State. While we welcome the progress made since 2011, many communities remain extremely vulnerable to disease and food shortages as a result of decades of conflict and chronic underdevelopment. More than 4 million people do not have access to enough nutritious food.


“In Sudan, the UN estimates that 4.4 million people need assistance, with 3.5 million people in Darfur alone in need of emergency food assistance. While there has been progress, with 200,000 displaced people returning to their homes in Darfur, almost 1.5 million people continue to live in temporary camps.


“The assistance I am announcing today will provide food, shelter, basic health-care and education to the worst-affected communities in both countries and help to safe-guard the gains made in recent years.”


This funding is being channelled through the United Nations’ Common Humanitarian Funds for Sudan and South Sudan. This additional assistance brings Ireland’s total support to Sudan and South Sudan to almost €5.5 in 2013.


Press Office
July 8, 2013


For further information contact Fionnuala Quinlan, Press Officer, Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 01-408 2653 or 087-909 9975
Note for editors:

  *   Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  *   Today’s announcement consists of €1 million each to the UN Common Humanitarian Fund for Sudan and the UN Common Humanitarian Fund for South Sudan. Both Common Humanitarian Funds have proven to be rapid and effective funding mechanisms to address the critical humanitarian needs on the ground.
  *   The UN Common Humanitarian Fund for South Sudan has already this year allocated more than $50 million towards life saving humanitarian assistance to boost food security, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and protection in highly vulnerable areas.
  *   Ireland has also approved support to MSF, GOAL, WorldVision and Trócaire for interventions in Sudan and South Sudan during 2013.