Darfur crisis

The Darfur crisis is now five years old, yet 2.5 million people continue to seek refuge in overcrowded camps in Darfur and eastern Chad.

The situation

The suffering is on an almost unimaginable scale: some 4.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and their number continues to grow as violence and intimidation forces thousands more to flee their homes each month. Many have been forced to abandon their homes several times to try to find some kind of safety.

In addition to the Darfuris who have been displaced, 185,000 Chadians have fled their homes as the conflict spreads.

Worsening violence and the increased targeting of humanitarian workers are making it more and more difficult for aid agencies, like Oxfam, to reach the people in need.

Sudan was torn by a protracted civil war between the country's north and south, which finally ended in 2005 with signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The year 2009 marks the fourth anniversary of that agreement, but implementing it will be a long and arduous process, given the persistent tensions and outbreaks of violence between the opposing groups.

Thus, apart from Darfur, several regions of northern, southern and eastern Sudan also present very grave humanitarian situations. Even after four years, the shakiness of the peace accords and the problems in implementing them continue to undermine efforts at reconstruction and development throughout the country.

What Oxfam is doing

We are currently providing vital assistance to more than 500,000 people in Darfur and eastern Chad. This includes ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and carrying out public health education programs to prevent the spread of disease. We distribute basic necessities such as blankets, soap and jerry cans for carrying water.

We are also helping people to find an alternative to relying on external aid through livelihoods projects.

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Last news:

World needs to act now to prevent new Sudan war, ten aid agencies warn
2010-01-07