Humanitarian workers and volunteers… You are an inspiration to us all.
AWAFY’s message on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day
On World Humanitarian Day, which falls on August 19th of each year, AWAFY Sudanese Organization stands with the regional and international community, on this day this year, 2025, in appreciation and gratitude for humanitarian workers amidst a host of risks and challenges. Celebrating this day represents a fundamental milestone for renewing our commitment to humanitarian principles and appreciating the tremendous sacrifices made by workers and volunteers in the most difficult and complex environments. We also commemorate those who lost their lives while performing their humanitarian mission, and we believe that their sacrifices will remain a beacon to guide us in our noble journey. Sudan’s
Context on this occasion:
This day comes amidst exceptional circumstances in the country, where humanitarian crises are deepening at an unprecedented rate as a result of the ongoing armed conflict since April 2023, the subsequent widespread collapse of basic services, the worsening of forced displacement, and the spread of poverty and food insecurity.
Millions of Sudanese, especially women, children, and the elderly, are currently living in dire and tragic humanitarian conditions that threaten their right to life and dignity. At the same time, humanitarian workers face extremely serious challenges, ranging from restrictions on aid access, targeting of humanitarian workers and civilians, to the lack of security and its enforcement in conflict areas.
Reaffirming Commitment to Humanitarian Values:
Our organization affirms its full commitment to the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity. These principles form the cornerstone of any effective humanitarian response and ensure that aid reaches those who deserve it, regardless of any considerations. We also explicitly declare that respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers are essential conditions for ensuring aid access to those affected and ensuring the continuity of humanitarian efforts over the long term. We renew our pledge to the values of justice, solidarity, and human dignity, and affirm our unwavering commitment to working to alleviate the suffering of the most affected groups in Sudan.
Recognizing the Role of Sudanese Youth:
Over the past decades, Sudanese youth have emerged as an effective force in humanitarian and development work, and a source of inspiration for the local, regional, and international communities. In the face of institutional collapse and state weakness, voluntary youth initiatives have been the primary incubator for protecting local communities and providing food, shelter, and psychological support to the displaced and affected.
We, at AWAFY Sudanese Organization, deeply believe that investing in the capabilities of young men and women and enhancing their participation in the formulation and implementation of humanitarian and development programs represents a fundamental entry point for strengthening the social fabric and consolidating the values of justice and sustainable peace.
Challenges of the Humanitarian Situation in Sudan:
Sudan is currently facing intertwined crises amidst challenges of varying severity. These challenges present humanitarian workers with extremely difficult tasks, but at the same time, they reinforce our determination to redouble our efforts and work collectively to confront these disasters. The most prominent of these are:
- The internal displacement of millions of citizens and the displacement of hundreds of thousands to various parts of the world.
- The deterioration of the health system and the collapse of hospital and medical infrastructure.
- Rising levels of hunger and food insecurity, and the use of food as a weapon in some conflict zones.
- Vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and girls, are exposed to grave violations related to sexual and gender-based violence and forced recruitment.
- The worsening economic crisis, rising unemployment rates, and the collapse of livelihoods.
A Call to the Regional and International Community and Partners:
On this occasion, we make a clear appeal to the regional and international community, UN organizations, and donors to intensify their support for humanitarian programs in Sudan. The scale of the disaster in the country exceeds the capabilities of local actors alone and requires an integrated response based on:
- Ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to all affected areas, especially those difficult to access due to the escalation of military operations.
- Providing protection for civilians and humanitarian workers in accordance with international and regional agreements.
- Allocating sufficient resources to support health, education, and water programs, as they have a direct impact on strengthening the resilience of local communities.
- Funding youth and community initiatives, particularly emergency rooms, which have proven effective in managing rapid responses, while strengthening their institutional and technical capacities.
- Supporting peace and sustainable development processes as the most important gateway to addressing the roots of humanitarian crises in Sudan.
Our Youth Organization’s Commitment:
On this occasion, AWAFY Sudanese Organization renews its firm commitment to working alongside local and international partners to strengthen the humanitarian response in Sudan, and affirms that it will continue its efforts to:
- Provide support to those affected in the areas of health, education, and livelihoods.
- Building and strengthening the capacities of Sudanese youth and engaging them in formulating local solutions to humanitarian, development, and human rights problems.
- Defending human rights and raising awareness of international humanitarian law and other issues.
- Contributing to promoting a culture of peace, justice, and social reconciliation.
Final Word:
AWAFY Sudanese Organization emphasizes that World Humanitarian Day is not merely a symbolic occasion, but rather a renewed call to redouble efforts and strengthen global solidarity to protect human dignity. In Sudan, where humanitarian challenges intersect with political, economic, and social dimensions, humanitarian action is more than just an emergency response; it is an act of resistance against oppression, a rebuilding of hope, and an investment in a future of justice and peace. Our organization reaffirms that it will remain faithful to its mission and will work with all partners to transform these humanitarian values into a tangible reality that impacts people’s daily lives. We believe that Sudan, despite its deep wounds, is capable of rising again with the spirit of its youth and the determination of its communities, and with various forms of support and commitment to the principles of humanitarianism.
AWAFY Sudanese Organization
August 19, 2025