We, a group of 11 Sudanese women, activists, leaders, and peacebuilders from different parts of Sudan, convened for three days from May 6-8 to discuss the war in Sudan, the situation facing women and girls, and paths forward.
We acknowledge that it is a dark time for the Sudanese people. Today, Sudan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights crises in the world. People inside Sudan and refugees in neighboring countries face the risk of famine and lack of humanitarian aid, the complete destruction of infrastructure, atrocities and systematic violence, impunity, multiple displacements (with nearly 13 million Sudanese displaced since the beginning of the conflict in April 2023), and an ongoing flow of arms from multiple actors. The current conflict compounds decades of crises, historic marginalization of entire communities, and unaddressed historical grievances, all of which shape today’s war and crises. Even relatively safe zones are suffering, as host communities are left without help and resources are outstripped.
As violence spreads across the country, civilian protection is not on the agenda, particularly in Darfur, where displaced people face constant violence and mass killing. Service providers, volunteers, and women on the front lines face significant risks, including long-term incarceration, sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and killing. The increase in violence has contributed chiefly to adding more challenges to the flaws of humanitarian aid. Conflict resolution, peacebuilding efforts and the pursuit of justice and accountability have also dropped substantially.
Sudan faces one of the world’s most serious humanitarian and human rights crises. As the international community and international organizations reduce their support, the burden falls on local volunteers and communities, many of whom are women struggling to respond to enormous challenges and lacking resources.
In developing recommendations for action, they would emphasize that:
- Greater direct funding to local organizations is urgently needed, especially to those led by women and youth to enable a larger share of diminishing resources to reach those most in need. The sudden drop in assistance is severely harming Sudanese communities, particularly women and children. Accelerating localization is essential to closing these gaps.
- More attention is critically needed to the epidemic of sexual and gender-based violence, which is a central weapon of this war. Today, far too little is being done to detect, deter, and treat victims. It simply cannot continue.
- The humanitarian aid system is being politicized and compromised by corruption, diversion, and threats to providers. Donors must enhance oversight to ensure limited resources are used effectively and not exploited by warring parties.
- Greater focus on digital communication is essential, as digital hate speech, misinformation, and online abuse are fueling conflict and radicalization. Content moderation and the removal of harmful actors must be prioritized.
- Focus on halting the external drivers of Sudan’s conflict, particularly the flow of weapons. Support to civil society and media is essential to expose arms transfers and mobilize advocacy in exporting countries to increase grassroots pressure and stop weapons sales to Sudan.
- We urge the international community to act now. Sudan’s crisis demands urgent, principled, and sustained engagement that centers Sudanese voices, especially those of women, and addresses both immediate needs and the root causes of the conflict. Silence and inaction are no longer acceptable.
This statement is endorsed by 11 Sudanese women leaders working throughout the country and region on peace and security issues. Their names are withheld due to the ongoing threats to their safety and security because of the work that they do.
