Conflict in the Sudan predates the birth of modern Sudan in 1956, however, it is in more recent years that this has become more widely known in the developed world. The internal conflicts have been responsible for the deaths of approximately 2 million people, and the displacement of over 4 million.  The mass exodus of refugees from the south of the country began in 1985-6 but continues to this day.

The area of Darfur in the west of the country has come into particular worldwide focus in recent times; regarded by the UN as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.  In Darfur alone, more than 2 million people have been forced from their homes and are living in makeshift camps or with host families. 3.5 million people are without food.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been active in addressing the needs arising from the internal conflicts for a number of years. This has resulted in a the establishment of a number of facilities and programmes including:

The Street Children Programme – as of late 2005, there are 615 children and teenagers being cared for, who all housed and go to school. With additional funding, it is hoped that this programme can be expanded, and additional land has already been purchased awaiting additional funding for building and development.

Baby Feeding Programme – Nearly 10,000 children visit the societies' 18 centres to get their daily meal, although 'only' 8,230 are officially registered it is difficult to turn others away.

Vocational Training Centres – the Society has established a number of Vocational Training Centres in Sudan providing education directed to enable graduates to find employment on leaving.

Medical Clinics – both permanent and mobile Medical Clinics are provided, delivering medical care to refugees living in camps or other displaced persons.  The mobile clinics have provided care to the staff and pupils of bamboo schools (rakubas).  In 2005 more than 8,000 patients were treated, with many pupils suffering from malaria, bilharziasis, skin disorders, eye diseases etc.

Other work is undertaken as identified and as resources permit. This has included major relief work in Darfur, and other water projects.

This is in addition to the ongoing Conference to Conference twinnage, where 127 conferences in the Sudan receive support directly from their twinned conferences in England & Wales.

Funding

The total funding cost of the work of the SVP in Sudan for 2004/5 was over USD1.9 million. Whilst the largest proportion comes from 'The Swiss Association of the Friends of Sister Emmanuelle' (ASASE) the SVP of England & Wales provides nearly USD470 thousand.

Following budget planning for the 2005/6, the SVP of E&W has committed to contribute USD300 thousand towards a total budget of over USD1.5 million.

In addition, we should clearly also be looking forward to future years, and how regular funding can be sustained.  It is unlikely in the near future that the great needs of the people in the Sudan will disappear.

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