The armed conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement, humanitarian assistance and protection crises. By the end of 2025, approximately 15 million people had been forced to flee their homes, with nearly 14 million remaining displaced. This includes around 8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 4 million refugees and asylum-seekers who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, including Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Libya and the Central African Republic.
An estimated 70% of healthcare facilities are out of operation, while water, electricity and telecommunications networks have suffered extensive destruction. More than half of the population is facing acute food insecurity, with famine conditions confirmed in parts of Darfur and Kordofan. At the same time, outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria, alongside widespread human rights violations, continue to exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with national and international partners, is coordinating a comprehensive regional response plan for 2026. The plan focuses on the provision of life-saving assistance, including essential relief items, shelter, clean water and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services; strengthening legal protection through improved asylum procedures, the issuance of documentation and specialised support for survivors of gender-based violence and unaccompanied children; and promoting socio-economic inclusion by supporting the self-reliance and integration of Sudanese refugees into local labour markets, building on the high levels of education and professional skills among refugee populations.
To implement its humanitarian response in Sudan and neighbouring host countries, UNHCR has set a total funding requirement of USD 929 million for 2026.
Against this backdrop, Greece has contributed €400,000 to support UNHCR’s humanitarian response and activities in Sudan.