Sudan Refugee Crisis: Aid Cuts Impair Shelter Capacity

Aid Cuts Leave refugee Agency Unable to Shelter Six in 10 Fleeing Sudan

The United Nations relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) faces severe challenges in providing essential shelter to those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Published: October 26, 2023
Modified: October 26, 2023

The escalating conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands to flee thier homes, seeking safety and refuge. Though, a critical shortage of funding is severely hampering the efforts of humanitarian organizations like UNRWA.

According to recent reports, the agency is struggling to provide adequate shelter. This means that a staggering six out of every ten refugees fleeing the violence are left without the necessary housing.

the situation highlights the dire consequences of reduced international aid. these cuts directly impact the most vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire of the devastating war.

UNRWA’s capacity to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis is significantly diminished. This shortfall leaves countless individuals and families exposed to harsh conditions and further risks.

The agency’s ability to offer even basic necessities, such as a safe place to sleep, is critically compromised. This crisis is unfolding as an increasing number of people desperately try to escape the violence in Sudan.

The international community faces increasing pressure to address this growing shelter deficit. Without urgent financial support,the humanitarian response will continue to fall short of the immense needs on the ground.

Understanding Refugee Crises and Humanitarian Aid

The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced by refugees worldwide. displacement due to conflict is a major global issue, often exacerbated by funding shortages for aid organizations.

Humanitarian agencies like UNRWA play a crucial role in providing life-saving assistance. This includes shelter, food, water, and medical care to those who have lost everything. Their effectiveness, however, is directly tied to the generosity and commitment of donor nations.

When aid is cut, the impact is immediate and severe. agencies are forced to scale back operations, leaving many

How do funding gaps in major donor countries directly correlate with the shelter capacity for Sudanese refugees?

The Escalating Shelter Crisis in Sudan & Neighboring Countries

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, erupting in April 2023 following a split within the military regime, has triggered one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. As of July 2025, over 10 million people have been displaced – both internally within Sudan and as refugees in neighboring countries. A critical, and worsening, aspect of this crisis is the rapidly diminishing shelter capacity due to meaningful cuts in international aid. This article examines the impact of these aid reductions on the ability to provide adequate shelter for Sudanese refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Aid Reduction: A Breakdown of the Problem

Several factors contribute to the current aid shortfall. These include:

Funding Gaps: Major donor countries are facing their own economic pressures and are diverting funds to other global emergencies, like the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Access restrictions: The ongoing fighting and instability within Sudan severely restrict access for humanitarian organizations, hindering the delivery of essential supplies, including shelter materials.

bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex bureaucratic processes in host countries can delay the disbursement of aid and the construction of new refugee camps.

Logistical Challenges: Transporting aid to remote areas and across borders is incredibly challenging due to damaged infrastructure and security concerns.

These factors have led to significant cuts in funding for organizations like UNHCR, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Association for Migration (IOM), directly impacting their ability to provide adequate shelter.

Impact on Refugee Camps & settlements

The consequences of reduced aid are starkly visible in refugee camps and settlements across Sudan’s borders, especially in chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.

Overcrowding: Existing camps are operating far beyond their intended capacity, leading to increased health risks and heightened tensions.

Substandard Shelter: Many refugees are forced to live in makeshift shelters constructed from whatever materials thay can find – plastic sheeting, branches, and salvaged materials – offering minimal protection from the elements.

Increased Vulnerability: Women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harsh living conditions, facing increased risks of disease, exploitation, and gender-based violence.

Water & Sanitation Issues: Overcrowding and limited resources strain already fragile water and sanitation systems,increasing the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Specific Regional Impacts

Chad: receiving the largest influx of Sudanese refugees, Chad is struggling to cope with the sheer number of arrivals. Aid cuts have severely hampered the construction of new shelters and the provision of essential services.

South Sudan: Already grappling with its own internal conflicts and humanitarian challenges, South Sudan is facing a surge in refugees from Sudan. The limited resources available are stretched thin, and shelter capacity is critically low.

Egypt: While offering refuge to a significant number of Sudanese, egypt faces economic constraints that limit its ability to provide long-term support. Refugees often rely on informal settlements with limited access to basic services.

The role of Shelter Materials & Construction Techniques

The type of shelter provided is crucial. Conventional tent-based solutions are often insufficient in the long term, particularly in harsh climates. More sustainable options include:

1. Transitional Shelters: These provide a more durable and weather-resistant solution than tents, using locally sourced materials where possible.
2. Community-Based Construction: Involving refugees in the construction of their own shelters can empower communities and promote self-reliance.
3. Climate-Resilient Designs: Shelters should be designed to withstand extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and strong winds.
4. Utilizing Local Resources: Employing locally available materials like mud bricks, bamboo, and timber can reduce costs and support local economies.

Addressing the Crisis: Urgent Needs & Potential Solutions

Addressing the Sudan refugee crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:

Increased Funding: Donor countries must urgently increase their financial contributions to humanitarian organizations working in sudan and neighboring countries.

Improved Access: All parties to the conflict must ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid workers.

Strengthened Coordination: Better coordination between international organizations, host governments, and local communities is essential.

Long-term Solutions: While immediate needs must be addressed, long-term solutions, such as resettlement and integration programs, are also crucial.

Support for Host Communities: Host countries need assistance to cope with the influx of refugees and to mitigate the impact on their own resources.

Case Study: The Impact in Adré,Chad

the town of Adré in Chad has become a focal point for Sudanese refugees. Initial reports in early 2024 indicated a relatively organized response, with UNHCR and partner organizations establishing a new camp. However, by mid-2025, aid cuts have led to severe overcrowding, with families sharing single tents and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Local sources report a rise in preventable diseases among children due to the unsanitary conditions. This exemplifies the direct correlation between aid availability and the quality of life for refugees.

Practical Tips for Supporting the Crisis

Individuals can contribute to alleviating the suffering of Sudanese refugees in several ways: