Assessing Opportunities for Protection of Civilians in Sudan

The war in Sudan is causing the fastest-growing humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world today. More than half of the population is experiencing acute hunger, with famine confirmed in North Darfur and likely present elsewhere. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, the international community has undertaken a variety of political initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. But in the absence of such an agreement, the extraordinary human toll of the conflict — including the targeting and killing of civilians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and recruitment of children by forces — continues to mount. The Partnership for Effective Peacekeeping is convening a public discussion to assess options for the United States government, United Nations, and other partners to address the worsening humanitarian situation and meaningfully advance the protection of civilians in Sudan. Government officials, experts, and advocates will engage in a series of dynamic conversations about the political process, protection and humanitarian situation, and possible options for increasing humanitarian action and civilian security.