A year on, the war in Sudan continues to rage, with the country and its neighbours experiencing one of the largest and most challenging humanitarian and displacement crises in the world. The number of Sudanese forced to flee has now surpassed 8.5 million people, with 1.8 million of them having crossed borders.

The ongoing conflict has shattered people’s lives, filling them with fear and loss. Attacks on civilians, and conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence continue unabated, in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. Sudan has experienced the almost complete destruction of its urban middle class: architects, doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers, and students have lost everything.

Access constraints, security risks and logistical challenges are hampering the humanitarian response. Without incomes, and amid disrupted aid deliveries and harvests, people cannot get food, prompting warnings of worsening hunger and malnutrition in parts of the country.

While the war started one year ago, thousands are crossing borders daily as if the emergency had started yesterday. In South Sudan, on average over 1,800 people are still arriving every day, increasing pressure on overstretched infrastructure and exacerbating the vast humanitarian needs. The country has received the most people from Sudan — nearly 640,000 people — many of them South Sudanese returning after many years.

Chad has experienced the largest influx of refugees in its history. While teams from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and partners, have managed to relocate most refugees to new and expanded settlements, over 150,000 remain in border areas in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, largely due to funding shortfalls.

In the Central African Republic, in March alone, over 2,200 people arrived from Sudan to hard-to-reach areas where logistical challenges hinder aid delivery.

The number of Sudanese registered with UNHCR in Egypt has increased fivefold over the past year, with a daily average of between 2,000 to 3,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from Sudan approaching UNHCR reception areas in Greater Cairo and Alexandria.

Ethiopia, which already hosts one of the largest refugee populations on the African continent, also reports continued new refugee arrivals, recently surpassing 50,000.

Those crossing borders, mostly women and children, are arriving in remote areas with little to nothing and in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medical care. Many families have been separated and arrive in distress. Parents and children have witnessed or experienced appalling violence, making psychosocial support a priority.

Many children arrive malnourished. In Chad, 33,184 cases of moderate acute malnutrition and 16,084 cases of severe acute malnutrition have been identified among child arrivals under 5 years in the past few months.

As the conflict continues, and the lack of assistance and opportunities deepens, more people will be forced to flee Sudan to neighbouring countries or to move further, risking their lives by embarking on long, dangerous journeys to safety.

In the last year, Uganda — which already has over 1 million refugees — has welcomed 30,000 Sudanese refugees, including over 14,000 since the start of the year. Most Sudanese who arrive are from Khartoum and have a university-level education. UNHCR statistics show increased movements of Sudanese refugees to Europe, with 6,000 arriving in Italy from Tunisia and Libya since the beginning of 2023 — an almost sixfold increase from the previous year.

Host countries have been extremely generous in welcoming those forced to flee and making efforts to ensure they can access public services, including documentation, education, healthcare and housing. We are working hard to mobilize an early development response to support national services in line with the Global Compact for Refugees.

Despite the magnitude of this crisis, funding remains critically low. Only 7 per cent of the requirements outlined in the 2024 Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan have been fulfilled. Similarly, the Humanitarian Response PlanLink is external for inside Sudan is just 6 per cent funded. UNHCR and partners are saving lives but in many locations, we have been unable to provide even the bare minimum. Firm commitments from the international community to support Sudan and the countries hosting refugees are needed to ensure those forced to flee by the war can live in dignity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The strength of Sudanese women has endured, even before the war started on April 15th 2023. Despite facing tough times and challenges over many years, they stayed strong, facing difficulties with courage and determination, kept their families and communities strong, advocating for peace every step of the way. Throughout Sudan’s history, Sudanese women have led the way in responding to crises. Their strength and determination have been a source of hope during difficult times.

By providing platforms, resources, and support, UN Women played a role in amplifying the voices of Sudanese feminist peacemakers. They facilitated connections between these feminist change makers and regional as well as global influential actors, ensuring that their perspectives and efforts were heard and recognized on a broader scale. UN Women empowered these women to participate effectively in peacebuilding efforts, bridging local grassroots movements with regional and international networks. Through these collaborative efforts, feminist peacemakers are contributing substantially to advancing peace and gender equality agendas globally.

Through consultations in September 2023 with more than 350 internally displaced groups, refugee women, and diverse communities across Sudan, the needs, and priorities of women during times of crisis were brought to the forefront. These consultations laid the groundwork for a historic gathering in Kampala in October 2023, where Sudanese women, with the support of UN Women, came together to forge a feminist peace agenda. The conference in Kampala was a turning point, a moment of solidarity and empowerment for Sudanese women. Together, they crafted a declaration outlining their vision for peace and justice, addressing the immediate needs of women in conflict zones while also tackling the systemic causes of violence and vulnerability.

But the journey didn’t end there. With the support of UN Women, Sudanese women took their message to the regional and global stage. They participated in regional and international events, sharing their stories, insights, and demands for peace with the world. In New York, on the margins of the October 2023 Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security, Sudanese women presented a powerful statement, urging world leaders to take action to end the war. They also made their voices heard at the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) event in February 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the global conversation on peace and security.

Mariam Hamid, a Women’s Rights Activist, says “My participation in the Kampala conference for Sudanese Women and the GIMAC event reignited my hope and determination to advocate for women’s inclusion in the peace processes through

these powerful platforms. I recognize that women are the most affected by the war in Sudan, and we play a pivotal role in contributing to peace efforts. I also believe in the inherent power of women to make a difference and vow to continue my meaningful work in this regard.”

Sudanese women, both at home and in the diaspora, stood strong in their advocacy efforts. They sent powerful statements to leaders around the world, demanding an end to the violence and shining a light on the urgent needs of women in areas affected by conflict. With the backing of UN Women, more than five statements were sent to key regional and global decision-makers, including the UNSG, Security Council, actors involved in Jeddah talks, and the League of Arab States (LAS). Their voices echoed across continents, calling for peace and justice in Sudan.

As a clear testament to the power of the women’s collective efforts, regional actors are engaging with more Sudanese women in the ongoing peace negotiations. This reflects an increased focus on inclusivity of women and girls. Adjaratou Ndiaye, UN Women Sudan Country representative says “By advocating to the international community during the 68th Commission of the Status of Women about the need to not neglect the Sudan war in the context of a global turmoil, Sudanese women are showing that they are at the forefront to alleviate the suffering of their people and end the devastating war. UN Women has committed to help the women movement navigate the complex terrain since the 2019 Revolution by ensuring women meaningful participation in all fora discussing and deciding the future of the country.”

Through it all, UN Women committed to stand by the Sudanese women’s side, providing support, and unwavering solidarity. Together, they proved that even in the midst of war and crisis, the voices of women cannot be silenced, and their power to effect change knows no bounds.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

UN Women in Zimbabwe hosted members of the diplomatic corps and their spouses, Representatives of Government and the United Nations including the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator’s Office to an International Women’s Day Reception and Panel Discussion focusing on Investing in Women and Accelerating progress. The event, held in Harare served as a multi-stakeholder platform for key partners to reflect, cross-share insights and make a joint clarion call for increased investments towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Zimbabwe.

In her opening remarks, the UN Women Country Representative Ms. Fatou Lo highlighted the importance of making women’s voices heard and having women at the decision-making table across sectors and platforms. On the same note, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, called on all stakeholders to Invest strategically: by allocating resources to programmes that empower women economically, socially, and politically; Leverage Data: by utilizing gender-disaggregated data for informed decision-making on Gender; Promote Inclusive Finance: by ensuring that women have access to financial services, credit, and entrepreneurship opportunities and; Amplify Voices: by engaging men and boys as allies in the pursuit of gender equality. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator also acknowledged the uneven progress on SDG goal 5 and other gender related targets which show that there still a long way to go for the country in fulfilling its commitment to women and girls.

The European Union Ambassador and Chairman of the #HeForShe solidarity Movement in Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann, emphasized the critical role of women in shaping societies and economies. He underscored the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, both within Zimbabwe and globally with the Spotlight Initiative being one of the signature interventions implemented towards this cause.

On behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Engineer Francis Gondo reiterated Government’s commitment to investing in women and investing in a collective future. He also highlighted the need for targeted investments in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating progress toward gender equality in Zimbabwe.

A key highlight during the International Women’s Day Reception was the highly inspirational panel discussion that saw female Ambassadors sharing their leadership journeys and discussing strategies for increasing investments in gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe. Some of the key messages that emerged from the conversation include the importance of deepening multi-stakeholder collaborations and the need for Government of Zimbabwe to continue heightening efforts towards improving fiscal space for gender equality and women’s empowerment and complimenting external investments where possible.

The International Women’s Day Reception served as a powerful call to action and vivid reminder that progress begins with collective action. By investing in women, we invest in a brighter future for all. As Zimbabwe moves forward, the echoes of message will resonate, inspiring change-makers to champion the cause of gender equality and make deliberate efforts to INVEST IN WOMEN.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

The Hustler Fund will be recalibrated to allow Muslims consume the product.

President William Ruto said packaging the Fund to be Shariah compliant will deepen financial inclusion in Kenya.

He said so far more than seven million Kenyans are benefiting from the Hustler Fund that is barely 16 months old.

“We will also adjust other Government financial instruments to comply with the Islamic Law,” he explained.

He added that the move will make available more funds to drive the country’s development.

President Ruto spoke on Monday evening at State House when he hosted the Iftar Dinner.

He challenged religious leaders to be on the forefront in praying for the country.

“We are on track to making Kenya a better country for all. It is our responsibility to make it greater,” he noted.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.