Sudan
CRS resumed food distributions in Darfur at the end of March 2011 after a two-month suspension. Photo by CRS staff
After achieving independence in 1956, Sudan suffered from decades of intermittent fighting. The civil war officially ended with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which granted autonomy to what was then the southern region of the country. Following a referendum, South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9, 2011. However, there are three border areas where parts of the CPA have not been fully implemented. If unresolved, the situation in these three areas could stand in the way of lasting peace.
Oil revenues support a vibrant economy in the capital of Khartoum, but other areas of the country lack basic social services. Meanwhile, the conflict in Darfur continues, and the region remains the site of the world's largest humanitarian operation. One positive development is that, in areas where there is stability, the number of refugees and internally displaced people returning to their homes is on the rise. These families require support in order to rebuild their lives.
Latest Stories From Sudan
View all stories »»
Reaching Out to Northern Sudan
CRS helps a half million people in Darfur and Khartoum to improve their lives in spite of difficult circumstances. »»
Where There's No Tap to Turn On
A photo gallery highlighting global water problems and CRS' solutions to provide more access to safe water for millions of people. »»
'Thanks for Giving Us Food'
In a Darfur refugee camp, a well deserved rest is interrupted by a teenage boy whose courage helps a CRS staffer see his work in a new light. »»
Stats
| Population: | 36,787,012 (July 2011 est.) |
| Size: | 718,723 sq mi; slightly less than one-fifth the size of the United States |
| People Served: | 915,318 (2011 est.) |
History
Catholic Relief Services began working in Sudan in 1972 to help resettle internally displaced Sudanese in Khartoum. At the outbreak of the second civil war in 1984, CRS closed its Khartoum office and moved its operations to what is now South Sudan. In 2004, CRS reopened our Sudan country program to respond to the urgent humanitarian crisis in Darfur and to once again assist vulnerable people in the Khartoum area. CRS currently serves more than 600,000 people in Khartoum and Darfur, working from offices in both locations.
Partners
In partnership with the Sudanese Community Development Association, a local nongovernmental organization, Catholic Relief Services has established, trained and nurtured almost 100 Savings and Internal Lending Communities in Khartoum. More than 2,400 vulnerable community members, mostly women, are part of these groups. Each group has a social fund to help members meet most critical needs, such as health care and school fees.
Programs
AgricultureEducation
Disaster Response
Health
Microfinance
Peacebuilding
Water and Sanitation
Food Security
