UN chief appeals for $6 billion to aid Sudan amid ‘staggering’ crisis

February 14, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday appealed for $6 billion to address the “staggering” humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and spilling over into neighbouring countries.

Speaking at a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, Guterres highlighted the urgent need for international support, recalling his own experience working in Sudan as High Commissioner for Refugees and witnessing the Sudanese people’s past generosity towards refugees.

“Now the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair,” Guterres said. He announced the upcoming launch of the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan, requiring $6 billion to assist nearly 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million refugees in neighbouring countries.

“These UN-coordinated appeals far exceed any we have launched for Sudan and the region,” Guterres emphasized, underscoring the unprecedented scale of the crisis. He thanked the countries hosting 3.3 million Sudanese refugees despite their own challenges.

Guterres described the situation in Sudan as a “crisis of staggering scale and brutality,” demanding sustained attention from the African Union and the international community. He cited humanitarian access as a major obstacle, particularly in active conflict zones, and praised local responders and civil society organizations, including women-led groups, for their tireless work.

The Secretary-General stressed the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, ensuring rapid and unhindered access to aid, and ending the flow of weapons that fuels the conflict. “This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed,” he stated.

Guterres reiterated the Sudanese people’s desire for an immediate ceasefire and civilian protection, noting his Personal Envoy’s engagement with the warring parties to implement the Jeddah Declaration.

With Ramadan approaching, Guterres urged attendees to use their influence to support the humanitarian response and press for respect for international law, a cessation of hostilities, and lasting peace. “We must do more—and do more now—to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare,” he concluded.