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<p>The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has worsened dramatically, with the UN estimating
that almost 25 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance; a 57 percent
increase compared to the estimated needs before the outbreak of hostilities on 15
April. We welcome the 7-day ceasefire agreement, signed by the Sudanese Armed Forces
and Rapid Support Forces on 20 May, following the 11 May Jeddah Declaration. We call
on both parties to uphold these agreements, implement the ceasefire and allow essential
humanitarian support to reach the people of Sudan. It is too soon to tell whether
the ceasefire will translate into an opening up of humanitarian access in Sudan. We
will coordinate with the UN and international humanitarian system so they can quickly
scale-up delivery there, if and when the access situation improves. On 24 May, the
Minister for Development and Africa announced £21.7 million in humanitarian aid to
Sudan, following an initial £5 million allocation to assist urgent needs of refugees
and returnees in South Sudan and Chad.</p>
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