Right now, Sudan is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Since 2023, ongoing conflict has killed more than 150,000 people. Entire communities have been wiped out, more than 12 million have been forced to flee their homes and hospitals have been deliberately targeted. Satellite imagery has uncovered mass graves.
Last week alone, more than 460 patients and healthcare workers were killed when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, a place that should have been safe for mothers and newborns but instead where they endured horrific atrocities.
As the RSF seized control of the city, more than 2,000 were killed, entire neighbourhoods destroyed and thousands remain trapped without food, water or medical care.
Amid this appalling suffering, reports have emerged that the RSF – the paramilitary group fighting Sudan’s army for more than two years – has agreed to a three month ‘humanitarian ceasefire’ brokered by the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
But words alone are not enough. While we welcome any steps toward ending this crisis, far more must be done to end what has become the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe.
It is devastating to watch this happen again in Darfur. Civilians in El Fasher are paying the price for political failure and global inaction. No one should be trapped under siege or cut off from aid and safety. The world must demand protection for Sudanese people and justice for those responsible.
Amnesty and our partners on the ground have documented deliberate attacks on civilians, hospitals and displacement sites. The evidence is clear: war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed, yet the international response remains woefully inadequate.
Australia must not stay silent
We call on the Australian Government to:
• Back an immediate, independently verified ceasefire and increase humanitarian funding with transparency.
• Champion stronger enforcement of the existing UN arms embargo and ensure Australia’s full compliance with its own sanctions regime.
• Urgently review Australian defence exports to the UAE, which stands accused of supplying weapons to the RSF.
• Demand transparency on weapons and resource trade fuelling the war.
• Support accountability through the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Fast-track visas for Sudanese survivors and families.
• Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and companies enabling atrocities.
• Designate the RSF as a terrorist organisation.
Your MP represents you – and they need to hear that Australians expect action. Email your MP now to call for protection, justice and safety for civilians in Sudan.
Every voice matters. Together, we can help break the silence.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
