Lammy’s visit to Adré, a border town in Chad, included meetings with officials from the UNHCR to assess how aid agencies are managing the crisis
The UK government has announced an additional £20 million in aid to support refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the announcement during a visit to a refugee camp in Chad, highlighting the urgent need for international action to address what he described as “the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.”
Lammy’s visit to Adré, a border town in Chad, included meetings with officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assess how aid agencies are managing the crisis. Thousands of refugees have crossed into Chad to escape the violence that erupted in Sudan, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation.
The newly pledged £20 million will support relief efforts in Chad and Sudan, supplementing the £226.5 million already committed by the UK for the crisis. This funding is being used to provide emergency assistance, including food, clean drinking water, and medical supplies, to nearly 800,000 displaced individuals. Since the outbreak of the conflict, approximately 3.6 million Sudanese refugees have fled to neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
A Call to Action
During his visit, Lammy underscored the severity of the crisis, describing the violence as “unimaginable” and warning of its potential global consequences.
“Sudanese people are facing violence on an unimaginable scale,” Lammy said. “Millions have already fled their homes in the face of a power struggle that has led to abhorrent atrocities against civilians and famine on an unconscionable scale. The international community must wake up and act urgently to avoid this horrific death toll escalating further, driving instability and irregular migration into Europe and the UK.”
Lammy emphasized that the aid not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also helps refugees remain within the region, making it easier for them to return home when conditions improve. He expressed concern about the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict, including the rise of smuggling networks exploiting the crisis and the growing number of refugees seeking to reach Europe and the UK.
Escalating Migration Challenges
The UK government has identified Sudan’s humanitarian crisis as a contributing factor to irregular migration. Nearly 2,000 Sudanese nationals arrived in the UK via small boats in the year ending September 2024, highlighting the broader migration pressures stemming from the conflict. Lammy reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing such crossings as part of its “Plan for Change.”
“The longer this war lasts, the greater its ripple effect,” Lammy stated. “We must give credit to countries like Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan for managing this crisis alongside others nearby. Under this government’s Plan for Change, we are addressing upstream drivers of migration to secure UK borders.”
Diplomatic Efforts to End the Conflict
Beyond providing aid, the UK is ramping up diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. Lammy announced plans to convene a meeting of foreign ministers to galvanize international action toward ending the conflict and ensuring aid reaches those most in need.
This builds on the UK’s previous diplomatic efforts, including a UN resolution co-sponsored with Sierra Leone in November, which garnered widespread support except from Russia. The resolution emphasized the importance of supporting region-led mediation efforts and amplifying Sudanese voices in the peace process.
“We will build consensus on how the international community can support region-led mediation efforts that have Sudanese voices at the center,” Lammy said. “We are calling for greater access to ensure aid can reach those who need it most and will continue to push for every border crossing and route to be open, accessible, and safe.”
A Growing Crisis
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and caused widespread devastation. Reports of mass atrocities, including attacks on civilians, have drawn international condemnation. The situation has also strained neighboring countries, many of which are struggling to accommodate the influx of refugees.
Countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan have borne the brunt of the crisis, with limited resources to support the growing number of refugees. Aid agencies warn that without increased international support, the situation could worsen, with dire consequences for millions of people.
Lammy’s visit and the additional funding reflect the UK’s commitment to addressing both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term challenges posed by the conflict. However, he cautioned that sustained international cooperation is crucial to preventing further escalation.
“The scale of this crisis requires a global response,” Lammy said. “We must act now to save lives, stabilize the region, and pave the way for peace.”
A Plea for International Solidarity
As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, the UK’s efforts highlight the urgent need for collective action. With millions displaced and neighboring countries stretched to their limits, the international community faces a critical test of its commitment to humanitarian principles. Lammy’s call to “wake up and act urgently” serves as a stark reminder that the stakes could not be higher.
