On 12th February, representatives from across Northern Ireland’s humanitarian community came
together at Stormont for a serious and moving discussion on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. the event
created space to hear directly from those most closely connected to the crisis and from CADA
member organisations responding on the ground.
CADA associate members SAANI (the Sudanese Advocacy Association NI), representing Sudanese
families living in Northern Ireland, spoke of the urgent need for the crisis to be seen, heard and acted
upon. For many, the discussion was deeply personal. The conflict continues to affect relatives, friends
and communities across Sudan, while those who have managed to flee often arrive in new countries
carrying profound trauma and facing further barriers as they try to rebuild their lives.
The event featured contributions from senior doctors and humanitarian advocates Dr Manal Mahdi
and Dr Khalid Elhassan. Both speakers outlined the scale of the crisis, the human cost of the conflict,
and the urgent need for coordinated international action.
Peter Heaney, Head of Region at Trócaire, spoke about the work of Trócaire and other members of
CADA to deliver life-saving assistance in extremely challenging conditions.
The scale of the crisis is stark: an estimated 33 million people in Sudan are expected to require
humanitarian assistance in 2026, with extreme violence affecting women, children and entire
communities.
Participants emphasised that responding to the crisis requires action at many levels – from
individuals taking time to learn about the situation and stand in solidarity with Sudanese neighbours,
to policymakers maintaining diplomatic pressure, supporting humanitarian funding, and working with
Sudanese communities to understand their needs.
The conversation at Stormont marked an important step in raising awareness locally, but it also
highlighted the responsibility to continue advocating for action.
Following the event, Kate Nicholl MLA made a Member’s Statement on Sudan in the Northern Ireland
Assembly on 16 February, ensuring that the issue was formally raised within the Assembly and that
the voices heard during the discussion continue to be reflected in the political arena.