Sudan: is the UK doing enough to promote peace and access to aid? MPs to explore
On Tuesday 26 November, the International Development Committee will hear evidence on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Sudan is currently the world’s largest displacement crisis. Since the conflict began in April 2023, 8.4 million people have been internally displaced. A further 3.1 million have fled across the border to neighbouring countries.
“Never in modern history have so many people faced starvation and famine as in Sudan today,” the UN stated in October 2024. The country faces its worst levels of acute food security ever recorded, with 14 areas classed as being at risk of famine.
As the ‘pen holder’ for Sudan within the UN Security Council, the UK is seen as having significant diplomatic influence. However, the UK’s draft resolution calling on all warring parties in Sudan to “immediately cease hostilities” and initiate a dialogue on a “national ceasefire” was vetoed by Russia on 18 November.
Meeting details
Likely areas of questioning
MPs are likely to ask witnesses for an update on the humanitarian situation in Sudan, and whether there are currently blockages to aid arriving in the country. They may also ask what is currently included in the UK’s aid to Sudan, and what changes the UK Government could make to support local community-led responses.
Members are also likely to ask whether the UK’s diplomatic response has been effective so far, and what more it could do to see the conflict resolved.