Sudan at a Crossroads: Addressing the Largest Internal Displacement Crisis in the World

Years of protracted crisis in Sudan led to a full-scale civil war on April 15, 2023, when fierce fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. This resulted in the largest internal displacement in the world today, according to UN data, creating more than 11 million IDPs and at least 2 million refugees crossing borders to neighboring countries.

The response to Sudan displacement crisis will be extremely consequential for the world and Eastern Africa, a region that hosts 10% of the world's refugees. At the same time, there has been a lack of global attention to this humanitarian crisis and its root causes. A simple search on large news outlets shows huge disparities in media coverage. How can we close this gap and raise visibility of the humanitarian situations facing displaced children and women inside Sudan? What can be done in the short-term and long-term? What efforts are in place to address the root causes and bring lasting peace in Sudan?

To address these questions and in honor of Nelson Mandela International Day, the Wilson Center's Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI), in partnership with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), will host an event on July 18 to inspire effective action. Speakers will discuss current efforts to address Sudanese displacement crisis, identify what gaps exist, and recommend what should be done to raise global awareness to inspire collective action.

Additional speakers to be announced.