Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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114. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his engagements to promote an end to the conflict in Sudan; to outline Ireland’s ongoing humanitarian support to the people of Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37160/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The conflict in Sudan is causing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Almost 26 million people - over half the country’s population - face acute hunger, with more than 755,000 people already experiencing famine conditions. Over 12 million people are displaced inside Sudan or have fled to neighbouring countries.

In April this year at a High Level Conference in Paris, I pledged €12.3 million for Sudan in direct humanitarian assistance in 2024, an increase of €2 million on 2023. Over €10.5 million has already been released to our NGO and UN partners working in Sudan. Another €2.5 million is being provided for neighbouring countries hosting Sudanese refugees. Ireland also provides additional humanitarian support through pooled funding to UN agencies such as the World Food Programme.

The conflict is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls. This year €2 million of our assistance for the Sudan crisis is going to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for protection and support of women and girls in Sudan and neighbouring countries. We also provide support to civil society organisations working for peace and human rights.

Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need to protect civilians, maintain humanitarian access, stop the fighting and put civil society at the centre of Sudan’s political future.

Ireland has championed the establishment of a new EU autonomous sanctions regime for Sudan, targeting those responsible for undermining peace and security, including attacks against civilians. The first set of targeted sanctions was announced in January against six companies affiliated with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): an additional package of measures was adopted in June.

Ireland has consistently supported the need for accountability mechanisms at the Human Rights Council, including calling for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

During his visit to the Horn of Africa in July, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin discussed the crisis with regional leaders and pledged that Ireland will continue to work with EU and international partners to promote an end to the conflict, persuade the parties to come back to the negotiating table, permit humanitarian access and end attacks on civilians.