The ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan is one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Two hundred thousand people have been killed; four million people are affected, of whom more than two million have been forced from their homes. The crisis is spilling over into neighbouring Chad.

Caritas has been responding by providing life-saving assistance and basic services to 300,000 people. Caritas has worked in Darfur since the start of the crisis in 2004 with Action for Churches Together, a network of Protestant and Catholic aid agencies, and three local Sudanese partners.

But Caritas has been working in Sudan for much longer and is looking at a countrywide solution to the conflict both in Darfur and south Sudan, where a fragile peace is in place following a two year war. Our multi-million dollar programmes are supported by 60 donor organizations and represent the largest relief operation in many parts of Darfur.

Clean Water: Boreholes, shallow wells and latrines are being constructed to ensure that people have access to clean water and remain healthy.

Health: Temporary clinics have been set up in camps to provide essential health care for young children, mothers and the elderly. An immunization programme for children has been implemented and treatment for malaria and diarrhoea has been undertaken. Seventy thousand patients have been treated over the last three years. 

Food: Emergency nutrition has been provided for malnourished children. Rations go to 15,000 people.   

Shelter: Materials have been provided to enable families to construct makeshift shelters, and household kits contain cooking equipment.

Gender: Caritas runs community centres and provides skills workshops for men and women.  (See more about our work on gender in emergencies)

Protection and peace-building
Our programmes include peace-building workshops, awareness raising sessions, peace clubs and activities for young people.  
Long-term development

Schooling has been provided in the large camps. Seeds have been distributed to those people who still have access to land. 

Advocacy
Caritas is calling on the Government of Sudan and rebels to prevent all attacks on civilians and to allow prior peace agreements to be properly implemented throughout the country.