Reaction: Famine declared in Sudan - Oxfam calls for increased international action

For the second time in less than a year, the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC) has confirmed that Famine is occurring in parts of Sudan. As of September 2025, El Fasher town (North Darfur) and the besieged town of Kadugli (South Kordofan) were classified in Famine.

Dr Halima Begum, Oxfam GB CEO, said in response:

“In a world where crises compete for attention, Sudan is too often sidelined. An intractable conflict has caused one of the most significant and neglected humanitarian crises in recent history.

“A tragedy has unfolded in plain sight, and the situation is only deteriorating, not only in Sudan itself but also in neighbouring Chad and South Sudan where millions have fled to. Last year, visiting Oxfam water projects supporting refugees on the border with South Sudan, I was struck by the scale of the human suffering.

“Cuts to humanitarian aid are compounding the problem, putting millions more lives at risk. The world should not be in a position where we are having to decide which lives can be saved based on what limited funds are available and where.

“Oxfam stands in solidarity with all those affected in Sudan and echoes the urgent call for increased international action and renewed funding.

“In April, the UK co‑hosted the London Sudan Conference, where global leaders pledged to act. Sadly, six months later, the conflict has only intensified. Oxfam urges the UK Government to renew the resolve of that support it mustered earlier this year to unlock funding, and delivering lifesaving aid without obstruction.

“No one should be left to face hunger, famine, and displacement alone. In an increasingly fragile and uncertain world, we must recognise that today’s crises are deeply interconnected and rooted in long-standing political and structural inequalities. Only by confronting these injustices and recommitting to a fair, rules-based international system can we build a future grounded in peace, equity and shared humanity.”