During a UN conference held on June 19, the United Nations (UN) announced that donors had made pledges nearing $1.5 billion to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The funds are intended to support both Sudan and its neighboring countries in accommodating refugees who have fled the conflict.

"Today, donors have announced close to $1.5 billion for the humanitarian response to Sudan and the region," the UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said following the conference in Geneva, the news agency AFP reported.

Expressing his views, Griffiths emphasized the necessity for continuous financial support to address the ongoing crisis, and he expressed his optimism that Sudan would remain a top priority for the UN.

UN refugees chief Filippo Grandi, meanwhile said, "It is very important these contributions be clearly allocated and disbursed as quickly as possible because we're really short of funds."

The conference coincides with a fresh three-day ceasefire brokered between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been engaged in conflict since April 15. The casualties have now surpassed 2,000, with a staggering 25 million people requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.

At the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a grave warning, stating that without international assistance, Sudan could rapidly deteriorate into a breeding ground for lawlessness, posing a security threat across the region.

Secretary-General Guterres further emphasized the unprecedented magnitude and swiftness with which Sudan has plunged into devastation and loss.

During the conference, Martin Griffiths, the UN's humanitarian chief, highlighted that the pledged amount fell significantly short of the funding required by humanitarians to adequately respond to the pressing needs.

As reported by AFP, the UN has presented two appeals to address the crisis: one focuses on the humanitarian response within Sudan, necessitating $2.6 billion, while the other centers on the regional refugee response, with a funding target of $470 million.

According to the UN, the United States emerged as the top pledging nation with a significant donation of $550 million. Following closely, Germany pledged $162 million, while the European Commission committed $151 million to support the humanitarian efforts.

Qatar pledged $50 million, showcasing its commitment to the cause. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reiterated that the conflict had no military solution and urged the warring factions to prioritize the aspirations of the Sudanese people, emphasizing their significance.

Image source: AFP