Sudan is Africa’s largest country and also one of the continent’s poorest. The country is rich in minerals and oil, which account for a large share of its exports. But climate change is causing severe environmental problems, including erosion, pollution of the limited water resources, droughts and floods.
The forests are disappearing and the deserts are expanding. The situation is made worse by the increasing number of displaced people; Sudan has the most internally displaced people in the world. The growing population is demanding greater areas of land. The situation in the Darfur province demands major humanitarian contributions. Sida hopes to be able to make more long-term contributions to help alleviate the situation.
A referendum in January, 2011, resulted in a decision on dividing the country into two. The southern regions will form a new country; South Sudan.
Cooperating for better results
The country’s size makes it difficult for donor countries to work alone. Therefore, Sida co-operates with many European countries. Our support is channelled through various funds and much of our work concerns co-ordinating the contributions.
Sweden’s support for long-term development is part of the World Bank’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MTDF) and the special fund for Southern Sudan, MTDF-S. Half of our humanitarian support is channelled through the UN’s Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF). In 2006, Sudan received the most humanitarian support from Sweden. In southern Sudan, Sweden has been working jointly with Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Canada, acting as one single donor, the Joint Donor Team (JDT) with just one office.
Support for UN Women for women’s rights
Women face a difficult situation in Sudan. Circumcision and arranged marriages are common in the northern parts of the country. Strict Sharia laws in areas of the country are limiting freedom. The UN’s women’s fund, UN Women, spreads education about equality and women’s rights. Another target is to strengthen the role of women in politics. UN Women is also driving a development project for women’s right to legal aid together with local women’s organizations.
