Donors pledge $1.5B for humanitarian response to Sudan: UN relief chief

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Donors on Monday pledged nearly $1.5 billion in aid for the humanitarian response to Sudan and the neighboring nations hosting refugees fleeing the conflict in the country, the UN relief chief said.

"I'm pleased to say that today, donors have announced close to $1.5 billion for the humanitarian response to Sudan and the region," Martin Griffiths said in his closing remarks.

"This crisis will require sustained financial support and I hope that we can all keep Sudan at the top of our priorities," Griffiths said, welcoming the commitment voiced by the member states and partners during the conference.

Praising the total amount of pledge, Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, said: "Now funds must be very urgently allocated and disbursed so that more aid can reach those in dire need in Sudan and in neighboring countries."

The donor conference in Geneva was co-hosted by Egypt, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the EU.

Sudan has been ravaged by fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 15. Nearly 1,000 civilians have been killed and thousands injured in the violence, according to local medics.