At the international conference on Sudan held yesterday, 15 April, in Berlin, the Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary Mariin Ratnik emphasised the need for swift and coordinated international action to alleviate the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Women and girls are in particular need of protection and attention.
“Estonia, as a long-standing humanitarian donor in the region, is committed to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. In 2026, we will allocate a total of €80,000 through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Sudan Humanitarian Fund,” Ratnik confirmed at the conference.
“Extreme hunger, displacement and the loss of livelihoods have brought the country to a breaking point. Increased assistance, along with its safe, timely and unimpeded delivery, is crucial. Local actors play a critical role in delivering aid to those most in need,” Ratnik stressed.
The civil war has caused a large-scale humanitarian and migration crisis in Sudan, affecting both the country itself and its neighbours. Approximately 30 million people – 60% of the population – require assistance, and more than 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes. “The world’s largest humanitarian crisis is now entering its fourth year, and the suffering we are witnessing is unimaginable,” Ratnik said in her address.
According to the United Nations, humanitarian needs in 2026 amount to €2.7 billion. The healthcare system has largely collapsed, food shortages are deepening and famine is spreading.
The large number of refugees has worsened the situation in neighbouring countries, particularly South Sudan and Chad. In 2025, the European Union contributed €161 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, along with an additional €100 million to neighbouring countries. In 2026, €164 million is planned.
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