Resources and Actions to Support Sudan
Since April, Sudanese civilians have been caught in the crossfire of an armed conflict in the country after its two most powerful generals, who overthrew a transitional government in a 2021 coup, began fighting for power. Keep Eyes On Sudan is a great resource created by the Sudanese Diaspora to follow what is happening.
As citizens continue to face a diversity of security and safety threats and crumbling infrastructure, many are contemplating whether to leave the country. In addition, services like electricity, internet, clean water, health care, cellular networks have been heavily impacted. Complicating matters, the delivery of humanitarian aid has proven to be difficult.
Internet Shutdowns and Disruptions
An internet outage across the country was documented on April 23rd. According to Cloudflare, different ISPs have been affected, in some cases with a 90% drop in traffic. On May 2, internet traffic was still ~30% lower than pre-conflict levels, meaning that access has not been fully restored. Sudan continues to witness internet blackouts and blocked access to services especially due to power cuts.
What Can you do to Help
Sudanese, both inside the country and the diaspora, have resorted to social media to help each other. However, for others it's been difficult to identify ways to support without interfering with rapid responders. As such, below we have compiled a list of ways you can support - both monetarily and via actions - which has been verified by trusted community members. We will continue to update this blogpost. In addition, we invite you to attend the June 8 Glitter Meetup which will be focused on community solidarity with Sudan.
News & Information
One of the best things you can do is to stay updated on the situation in the country, and amplify news and updates being shared by the Sudanese community.
On Twitter: @YousraElbagir, @minlayla77, @nafisaeltahir, @kholoodkhair, @hiba_morgan, @matnashed, @BSonblast, @NesrineMalik, @qoga12, @moehash1, @MakawiRaga, @reemwrites, @ga800l, @winiomer and this list
For Arabic speakers, BBC Arabic has launched an emergency daily podcast about Sudan https://bbc.com/arabic/bbc_arabic_radio/programmes/w13xtvrq
BeamReports is an organization that is working on fact checking, fighting mis and disinformation in Sudan
Sudan In Crisis Explained podcast with Dr. Nisrin Alamin explains the context of the war in Sudan and provides an in-depth analysis
Increased reliance on social media by doctors and service providers: As hospitals and health facilities struggle to function or close completely because of the conflict, Sudanese doctors are resorting to social media to reach patients. Hundreds of doctors and professionals have volunteered to man 24-hour helplines on messaging services such as WhatsApp
Security and Relocation Resources
The following relocation and resettlement support is for Sudanese human rights defenders (HRDs) who are at risk
Urgent Action Fund - Africa: provides emergency grants
Front Line Defenders - Protection Grants: provides emergency relocation and security support, including relocation assistance and safe housing.
Canada Global Refugee Stream for Human Rights Defenders: for resettlement to Canada
Journalists in Distress Network: resources and emergency relocation support for journalists who have received serious threats or are in distress ProtectDefenders.eu provides a range of services including an emergency helpline, emergency grants, and temporary relocation
TakeShelter: is an online humanitarian platform connecting displaced individuals with nearby host families. This platform is operated by InternetActivism.org, an NGO that develops digital tools to address global humanitarian crises. Get in contact with their team at takeshelter@internetactivism.org
Support for Sudanese Journalists - via IJNET:
UNESCO has developed a useful safety guide for journalists working in dangerous environments.
Rory Peck Trust provides practical and financial support to freelance journalists and their families worldwide. It also assists them in times of crisis and helps them work securely and professionally while covering conflicts.
Internews’ Emergency Fund: provides financial support for journalists, safety equipment, medicine, and psychological support.
The International Federation of Journalists’ Safety Fund provides financial support to journalists working in conflict and dangerous areas, including in Sudan.
Reporters Respond Fund is an emergency fund that provides direct help and legal support and guidance related to the safety of journalists and afflicted media organizations.
Journalists in Distress lists the most important funds and organizations that support journalists working in conflict zones.
Solidarity Campaigns in New Host Countries
Egypt:
Refugees Platform in Egypt (https://rpegy.org/)
RPE team has been working with defenders from Sudan on supporting refugees and providing them with assistance. The team has also prepared this guide for support and service providers for new arrivals in Egypt in terms of law, residence and movement. Click here. RPE has also been publishing weekly status reports and updates. They also provide legal assistance.
The Egyptian Red Crescent Relief Center
The center is located at the Arqin border crossing, Qastal, Karkar station and Abu Simbel hospital and has been providing health services, psychological support, medicines, snacks and means of communication: They can be contacted by phone: +20 01153772211-+20 01153881199 – +20 01153994455- +20 01153991133
Mental health resources
The Trauma Recovery Organisation: This organization is offering psychological support (via phone call) for those who need it in Sudan.
Sudanese Healing Circle | New York: a healing circle hosted by AMALY and MAS.
Fundraisers
UK based fundraiser for emergency aid
Sudanese societies at different UK universities have organized this fundraiser in an attempt to collect funds for emergency services. The donations will directly support the International Hospital, Alkadaro Clinic, and provide medical supplies in the capital.
SAPA has been working in Sudan since 2019. They are a partnership of Sudanese-American physicians who provide medical aid throughout the country where it is needed most.
Egypt | Sudan Emergency Response
This fundraiser is set up by a group of Egypt-based organizers providing support for Sudanese people arriving in Egypt.
Advocacy Campaigns and Calls to Action
The following are advocacy campaigns you can follow or contribute to:
#لازم_تقيف (It must end) | #NoToWar:
Sudan-based organizers are advocating for the cessation of aggressions on both sides. Individuals have utilized this particular hashtag as a platform to disseminate their analyses, insights, documentations, and fears.Academic Statement of Solidarity with Sudan:
This is a letter by international scholars in different academic universities, advocating for the protection for Sudanese scholars.Joint Statement Organized by Refugee Platforms in Egypt
This statement is calling on governments and international and UN bodies to intervene to provide safe passages for civilians, as well as urgent means of relief.Joint Statement by Sudanese Women Rights Actions
Calling for the protection of Sudanese women human rights defenders