Britain is providing extra humanitarian support for millions in need, Liberal Democrat International Minister Baroness Northover has announced during a visit to Khartoum.
Britain will contribute a further £7 million to the UN’s Common Humanitarian Fund appeal for Sudan, Northover said.
The ongoing conflict has forced more people from their homes than at any time since 2003 and seven million people are now expected to need emergency assistance this year.
“Britain will not turn its back on families who are trapped in poverty by years of conflict. While this new funding is helping to meet basic needs, only lasting peace will allow people to build prosperous lives independent of aid,” she noted.
In addition to providing food, clean water and sanitation, this funding will ensure children displaced by conflict continue to receive an education, the minister said.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has further deteriorated in the last few weeks due to increased conflict in Darfur and in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.
UNICEF estimates that around 6,000 children have been displaced in the recent fighting around Jebel Marra, a situation made worse by unseasonably cold weather.