James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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272. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation in Sudan; if he can outline the work Ireland is doing with international partners to provide humanitarian assistance in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23692/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Two years of conflict in Sudan have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The Government is gravely concerned by the impact of the conflict on civilians. Widespread violence continues, including reports of atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law. Over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine. Recent attacks on Port Sudan mark a significant escalation in hostilities.

Working with like-minded EU member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

We continue to respond to the crisis in close coordination with our EU and international partners. At the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in April, Ireland raised the urgent need for increased and flexible humanitarian funding, and for sustained pressure in support of a cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. We will continue to engage actively on the crisis through all diplomatic channels available, and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.

We provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024. This involved €11.5 million for assistance within Sudan and €2.5 million in support of Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries, reflecting our commitment to solidarity with the people of Sudan and refugee-hosting countries. Our assistance included funding channelled through UN partners and Irish NGOs, including support to Concern, GOAL and Trócaire.

So far in 2025, Ireland has provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. We will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring the much- needed democratic transition.