John,
Last month, I traveled to Darfur, where thousands of families have been newly displaced following the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
I recorded a video to share what I saw on the ground in Sudan. I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch:
It's been 20 years since I was last in Darfur. Back then, I helped launch the IRC's response to a war that killed over a quarter of a million people. I had hoped I would never see that kind of violence in Sudan again.
But after nearly 1,000 days of conflict, Darfur and the rest of Sudan are once again facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis. That's why Sudan has ranked #1 on the IRC's Emergency Watchlist for the third year in a row.
In one of the brightest moments of an otherwise very hard trip, I met two women whose faces have stayed with me. Both were 23, each with a small daughter on her lap. Both had just watched their husbands being killed. And both had walked south with their children in search of safety.
They shared their daughters' names: Hope and Sunrise.
Even with all of the loss and suffering, these families are still looking forward—and somehow still naming their children after light and possibility. It is a reminder of the strength and courage we are called to meet with action.
The IRC's work in Darfur is growing every day. Our staff is working around the clock to save lives, comfort families and help them survive another day. These programs are only possible because of people like you, John—thank you.
Please take a few minutes to watch my update on what I saw in Sudan and how your support is powering the IRC's response on the ground.
Until next time,
Bob
Bob Kitchen
Vice President, Emergencies & Humanitarian Action
International Rescue Committee
P.S. Responding to the world's worst humanitarian crises takes a dedicated group of people: people like you who believe in the power of collective action. With your continued support we can have a lasting, positive impact on those we serve, year round.
When you give monthly to the IRC, you help make sure we're equipped to do what we do best: help families affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Please, start a monthly commitment today.
|
|
|
|
|
