An armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan began on 15 April of this year, when clashes broke out in cities across the country. As of 17 June, thousands have been killed or injured, while more than 1.6 million have been internally displaced and 530,000 others have fled the country as refugees.

Across Borders is running the Sudan Conflict Crisis Appeal in aid of their partner organisation Saint Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) based in Cairo, Egypt. StARS is a refugee service provider that works to enhance the quality of life for refugees and vulnerable migrants. They provide high-quality services meeting the unaddressed needs of displaced people and offer a safe and inclusive space for displaced people to come together as a community.

StARS has seen an average of 150 newly displaced cases from Sudan, approaching the charity for assistance daily in the past few weeks. This is in addition to the usual 200 cases that StARS provide intake and screening services for. Between 27 April and 7 June, StARS has screened 1,314 cases, representing over 5,000 individuals, including 97 unaccompanied children.

There are ongoing concerns that future new arrivals will be in many difficult situations; a larger number will enter Egypt irregularly due to visa requirements, most are likely to be more strapped-for-cash and have exacerbated medical needs from the lack of access to healthcare, limited food, and the harsh and lengthy journey from Sudan to Egypt. UNHCR estimated that 350,000 new arrivals from Sudan will enter Egypt. As of 3 June, 212,094 Sudanese have regularly entered Egypt; almost half of the estimated figure only a month in since the conflict.

The need to respond will exponentially increase, and humanitarian actors will need to provide support to refugees and refugee-led organisations who are already overstretched responding to the news of vulnerable and at risk newcomers.

How you can help

StARS are responding to urgent needs including emergency cash assistance, food and hygiene boxes, and medical grants for those in need of urgent medical support. This has put significant pressure on the financial resources of the charity and we are urging our supporters, such as yourself to contribute to help us provide vital aid at this time.

Any amount will be impactful and greatly appreciated.