Your generous donation can provide children and families affected by the Sudan crisis, as well as other disasters across the world, with life-saving essentials like food, water and crucial mental health support. It can also help create lasting change through longer term programmes to alleviate poverty and the chronic impact of climate change.
What's happening in Sudan?
In April 2023, violent conflict broke out in Sudan, triggering violence and instability across the country and the wider region, tearing apart millions of children’s lives.
Sudan is now experiencing the world's largest child displacement crisis. Over 13 million people - almost one third of the population - have been forced to flee their homes, both within the country and across borders into neighbouring states. Most displaced families are living in overcrowded informal settlements or makeshift shelters, often without access to clean water, toilets or adequate shelter.
Today,  more than 17 million children in Sudan need support to overcome the horrifying impacts of this conflict. They're being killed by drone strikes and shellings. They’ve seen their homes, hospitals, playgrounds and schools bombed, looted and occupied. They’ve lost loved ones and been subject to unspeakable violence. They’ve been cut off from the very basics like food, shelter, and healthcare.
Healthcare and education systems have collapsed in many areas. Schools have been damaged, destroyed or closed, leaving almost 11 million children in need of education support. Health facilities are no longer functioning due to attacks, looting and shortages, cutting children off from lifesaving care.
Sudan is facing one of the world's worst hunger crises. Nearly 19.5 million people - around 41% of the population - are facing severe hunger, according to the latest IPC analysis. No area of Sudan is currently officially classified as being in famine, but 14 areas remain at risk, and conditions are expected to worsen between June and September, when food is typically hardest to find before the next harvest.
Despite the staggering levels of need, this crisis is not getting the attention it deserves. Children are witnessing or experiencing unimaginable violence - things no child should ever face. There is an unprecedented lack of funding and critical lack of humanitarian access.
Crisis Summary
Following three years of ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023, Sudan is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis:
More than 19 million (41%) are facing severe hunger
Almost 14 million people, including 7 million children, have been forced to flee their homes - making this the world's largest child displacement crisis
5.6 million babies have been born since April 2023. That's at least 3 children born into war per minute.
3 million children under five are estimated to be suffering from malnutrition
Over 30 million people need humanitarian aid
Updated August 2026
“It pains me to see children arriving without parents or family members at the border, but I find joy in being part of the Shelter For Kids team working to reunite them with their families and make them laugh and play." Monica*, a Shelter For Kids caseworker in Sudan. *Name changed
Sudan is not a crisis the world has failed to notice. It is a crisis the world is choosing to ignore.
Meet Ali*
No child should have to learn to walk twice. But children in Sudan are forced to, because of bombs and explosive weapons. Children like Ali.
Ali, just 13, lost his leg when a bomb exploded near his home. He was playing football with his friends and little brother, Nour* - who suffered a spinal fracture.
We're supporting Ali and Nour's recovery in the refugee camp in Sudan where they're now living. We've provided mobility aids - including a motorised wheelchair - and helped both boys get back to school.
Ali says, "It has changed my life. Now I can get to school on time and move more easily."
Ali and Nour's recovery is ongoing. And it's only possible because of the generosity of our incredible supporters.
From crisis to catch-up: Sarra's stories
Conflict has disrupted school for thousands of children in Sudan, including 17-year-old Sarra*. After failing her mock exams at an overstretched school, she transferred to one supported by Shelter For Kids in Gedaref, where she received free exercise books, pens and consistent teaching. She recently sat her senior exams again and scored 242 out of 280 - among the top in her class. "Shelter For Kids supported us with school supplies and learning materials, and these are things many families can't afford," she says. "When I grow up, I want to support children across Sudan, just like you do."
Sarra's turnaround shows what's possible when children in crisis get the basics they need to keep learning - even while the wider conflict grinds on.
Sarra*, 17, stands in the courtyard of her school after receiving school supplies Saeed Elsiraj / Shelter For Kids
Why monthly donations are important
In 2025, we reached more than 3.7 million people, including 2.4 million children in Sudan. But now more than ever, children in Sudan and around the world need your help.
By giving monthly you can help us to be by a child's side within days, whenever disaster strikes.
Your monthly gift will mean that our teams can provide continuous support, offering vital food, healthcare and education to children in urgent need around the world. It also allows us to support children as they move out of survival mode and begin to start living again.
With a monthly donation, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of children in Sudan and around the world.
How we're helping children in Sudan
We've been working in Sudan since 1983, supporting children and families affected by conflict, displacement, hunger and poverty.
Along with our partners, we remain dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to families who continue to be impacted by this crisis.
In 2025, Shelter For Kids and partners reached over 3.7 million people, including 2.4 million children, with lifesaving assistance across Sudan and neighbouring countries.
Healthcare - Running mobile health clinics and supporting health facilities that remain operational, treating children for common and life-threatening illnesses, responding to disease outbreaks including cholera
Nutrition support - Screening children for malnutrition and providing therapeutic nutrition treatment for those severely malnourished
Water, sanitation and hygiene - Trucking clean water, setting up water storage points, distributing hygiene kits to prevent waterborne diseases
Food security and livelihoods - Providing food assistance and cash-based support to help families meet basic needs
Education - Supporting schools and learning spaces, providing learning materials, setting up temporary education activities
Child protection - Providing psychosocial support, family tracing and reunification, creating safe spaces for children
Humanitarian access remains severely constrained due to insecurity, sieges, blockades and bureaucratic barriers. Additionally, the conflict in the Middle East and wider region has caused disruptions to global supply chains, including routes to Sudan used to deliver lifesaving medical aid.
We’ve also been providing critical support to children in neighbouring countries, like South Sudan and Egypt.
SHOW THE GOVERNMENT THAT SUDAN MATTERS
We're calling on the UK government to do everything it can to protect children in Sudan.
Email your MP to demand that they speak up in Parliament and write to the Foreign Secretary. It takes less than a minute to send - but can make a lifetime of difference.
*names changed to keep children safe
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