Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sudan: Humanitarian Situation

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK will increase aid to Sudan to 89 million this year.
  • Minister discussed the situation in El Fasher with UN Secretary-General.
  • Minister acknowledges FCDO's efforts but focuses on broader humanitarian issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Thewliss SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP notes the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the government's previously set aid figures. She highlights a warning from the US ambassador to the UN regarding potential massacres in El Fasher.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the implications for policies due to the humanitarian situation in Sudan? The Sudanese city of El Fasher, which is Darfur's humanitarian hub, faces an impending large-scale massacre according to the US ambassador to the UN. What measures are being taken to prevent this crisis?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK will nearly double its support for people in Sudan, increasing aid to £89 million this year. The Minister spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres about the situation in El Fasher and is doing everything possible through various mechanisms to protect people in Darfur.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions and mechanisms are not detailed beyond general statements of intent.

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Q2 Alison Thewliss SNP
Immigration Migrants & Borders Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP references the testimony from frontline aid workers about the challenges and positivity towards FCDO's efforts to continue education for displaced children.

Question

Frontline aid workers have provided evidence of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including displacement and food insecurity. They highlighted the FCDO's work on continuing education for children. Will this support be maintained and enhanced?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Minister is grateful for the recognition of the FCDO's efforts in Sudan, aiming to assist 500,000 under-five-year-old children. However, he focuses on broader issues like displacement, border crossings, and food insecurity without directly addressing educational support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment regarding the continuation and enhancement of education support for displaced children was not provided.

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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Immigration Migrants & Borders Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP refers to evidence given by frontline aid workers about the severe humanitarian crisis and the FCDO's efforts to support displaced children's education.

Question

Aid workers testified about the humanitarian crisis, with 8.6 million people displaced and 17.7 million suffering acute food insecurity. They praised FCDO for supporting 500,000 under-five-year-old Sudanese children's education in displacement camps. Will this support be sustained and expanded?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Minister acknowledges the FCDO's efforts to assist 500,000 under-five-year-old Sudanese children but shifts focus to broader issues of displacement, border crossings, and food insecurity without addressing education support directly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was given regarding the continuation or enhancement of educational programs for displaced children.

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Q4 Lyn Brown Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP emphasizes the risk of massacres and rapes targeting non-Arab communities in El Fasher, Darfur, as an offensive to capture this city is ongoing. She asks about mechanisms for building pressure towards a ceasefire.

Question

An offensive is underway to capture El Fasher, with imminent risks of massacres and sexual violence against non-Arab communities. All arms supplies must be halted. Friday's UN statement was welcome. What mechanisms are used daily by the Government in partnership to secure an immediate ceasefire?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK hopes Jeddah 3 will be a significant opportunity for negotiations, requiring a ceasefire and a political track. The Minister visited the Chad-Sudan border recently to see difficulties supporting Darfur, including food issues. Sudan is not forgotten, with Britain doing everything possible as UN penholder.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific daily mechanisms for building pressure towards an immediate ceasefire were not detailed.

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