Introduction: Crisis in Darfur, Sudan

What is the crisis in Darfur, Sudan?

Over 175,000 Sudanese have fled to the neighboring country of Chad as refugees, while more than a million remain homeless in Darfur.

The United Nations is calling the situation in Darfur "the world's worst humanitarian crisis." World leaders, including United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, have visited Sudan to call for an end to hostilities and cooperation from the Government of Sudan in getting urgent aid to people in Darfur.

What is the current situation in Darfur?

Thousands of families lost everything — homes, belongings, livestock and crops — when they were driven from their villages. Now homeless and scattered across Darfur's barren desert, these families are struggling to meet their daily needs. According to United Nations estimates:

• 49 percent of displaced Sudanese lack food
• 88 percent lack shelter
• 67 percent lack water
• 93 percent lack adequate sanitation

Unless these people receive immediate aid, it's estimated that more than 350,000 men, women and children will die from hunger, exposure and disease within the next few months.

The need is overwhelming: it's certain that over a million people will need food and other assistance for the foreseeable future.

What is Mercy Corps' response?

Mercy Corps staff are on the ground in Sudan, ensuring a lifesaving response for families in Darfur. We are currently working to distribute nutritious food, provide water and latrines and deliver materials for shelter to displaced families. Aid workers are also mounting efforts to ensure educational opportunities for school-age children in the camps.