U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced that the U.S. is pledging $203 million to help prevent the crisis in Sudan from spilling over into the region.
According to the United Nations, nearly 9 million people have fled their homes, with over 1 million leaving the country. Thousands have been killed in the conflict, which has been overshadowed by crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
“We hope this new round of aid serves as a call to action for others to follow. Partners will use this funding to build new shelters for refugees, provide cash assistance for rent, and help children whose lives have been upended by conflict return to school,” Thomas-Greenfield told reporters in New York on Thursday.
“Three-quarters of a million people, including women, children, the very old, and the very young, are facing famine, starvation, and IPC five level conditions. People are eating dirt to survive, relying on tree leaves for nutrition,” she added.
The conflict in Sudan began a little over a year ago, forcing tens of thousands to flee to neighboring Chad for safety.
The U.N. has requested $2.7 billion to address humanitarian needs in Sudan but has only received $155 million, or 6% of the needed funds.
“My call is for those who have influence on the warring parties to press them to come to the table. Until they do, the people of Sudan will continue to suffer. There is no military solution to this situation,” Thomas-Greenfield said.