Article

Information for people affected by the conflict in Sudan

We understand that your current situation is incredibly dangerous and distressing for you and your loved ones. You are not alone.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) are doing their best to help you.

This page will be updated frequently as the situation evolves. Latest update: 21 May 2025

Please remember that all services provided by humanitarian organizations are free of charge.

How can the ICRC help me?

The ICRC aims to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Our work includes facilitating family reunification and searching for missing persons, preventing disappearances through the dignified management of the deceased, restoring essential services and infrastructure, and providing emergency assistance to conflict-affected individuals and communities. For more information on the assistance we provided last year, please follow this link.

We work with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and neighbouring Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The SRCS provides humanitarian assistance throughout the country through its 18 branches in different states. It also assists in the recovery of the dead and distributes aid to displaced people.

How can I contact the Red Cross or the Red Crescent?

If you are inside Sudan, you can contact the ICRC on the phone:
+249 123044533 / +249 912161202 

In neighboring countries, many of the following contact numbers are working at a limited capacity. 

If you are outside of Sudan: 

In Chad:  Contact The Red Cross of Chad via +235 22 52 34 34 OR +235  66 61 49 68 OR +235 66 32 94 52/+235 95 40 96 63. 

In Ethiopia: Contact the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ethiopia: 9167 (toll free number) or +251 116 478 300. You can also contact the Ethiopian Red Cross via +251-115 527110 

In Egypt: Contact the Egyptian Red Crescent via +20 225 985 555 OR +20 226 703 979 OR +20 226 703 981 OR +20 226 703 983. If you are near Arqin or Qastal border points in Egypt, contact the Egyptian Red Crescent via 15322. You can also send a WhatsApp message to +20 115 207 2077. 

In South Sudan: Contact the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in South Sudan via +211 912 170 275 OR +211 927 062 595 OR +211 912 360 041 OR +211 912 359 997 OR send an email to jub_juba@icrc.org. You can also contact the South Sudan Red Cross via +211 921 626 717 OR +211 914 959 544 OR +211 912 666 836.

Can you help me find a family member?

If you have lost contact with a family member during the conflict in Sudan, contact us from the country you are currently located.

If you are inside Sudan: Call the ICRC Restoring Family Link Helpline number at +249 900 907 832. Our working hours are Sunday to Thursday from 08:30 to 15:30, Sudan Local time. You can also send an email to kha_tracing_services@icrc.org

For affected people outside Sudan

If you are in Egypt, you can contact the ICRC on +20 22 528 1548 , +20 22 528 1540 or by email via cai_tracing_services@icrc.org . You can also contact the Egyptian Red Crescent on +20 11 445 560 02 or send an email to rlf@egyptianrc.org

If you are in Ethiopia, you can contact the ICRC on +251 943 122 207 or by email via add_tracing_services@icrc.org. You can also contact the Ethiopian Red Cross on  +251 115 527110 or send an email to megersa.weyessa@redcrosseth.org

If you are in Chad, you can contact the ICRC on +235 22 520 316 or by email via ndj_tracing_services@icrc.org. You can also contact the Chadian Red Cross on +235 63 44 40 64 or by email on rfl@croixrougedutchad.org

If you are in South Sudan, you can contact the ICRC on +211 928016027 , +211 912180112 or by email via jub_tracing_services@icrc.org. You can also contact the South Sudan Red Cross on +211 91 499 2755 , +211 92 282 1552 or by email to info@ssredcross.org

If you are in Central African Republic, you can contact the ICRC on +236 75 631 110 , + 236 72730288 or by email via bng_tracing_services@icrc.org

If you are experiencing difficulties reaching us due to busy phone lines, we apologize for the inconvenience. We understand that this can be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience as we work to assist as many people as possible.

Why is it taking you so long to find my family member?

Restoring family links is a process that can take time, especially in times of conflict. The current situation, including difficulties in accessing some areas and large population displacements within the country and across its borders, is impacting the search process. 

We are also receiving a high volume of requests from people looking for their loved ones, and our teams are doing their best to collect and analyze them. Please know that we are committed to working with you and your family for as long as it takes.

Can you help me leave or evacuate someone from Sudan?

We cannot help individuals or groups in leaving the country. Nor can we provide any support or money to transport people to the border of Sudan or to other countries.

We are aware of the fear and uncertainty you might be feeling in this difficult situation. We hope you can stay safe until the situation improves.

What can I do when there is shelling?

If there is shelling, find lower ground to hide. Stay as far as possible from windows.

Lie down, wrap your arms around your head, and cover your ears.

Open your mouth to avoid internal injuries, it can reduce the impact of explosive waves on your body.

Wait until the shooting is over before you move to a safer shelter.

If you find strange metallic objects such as bullets and shells, please keep your distance and do not touch them. They can cause injury or even kill.

There are dead bodies in our area. Can the ICRC help retrieve them?

We strongly advise you to immediately report this to the nearest authorities—particularly the local police—and formally request the removal of the remains, especially if they are on private property.

Handling human remains involves legal procedures, so please:
•  Do not touch or attempt to move the bodies.
•  Leave them undisturbed until authorities arrive.
•  Wait for official instructions before taking any action.

For further guidance, you may contact the ICRC’s dedicated hotline at: +249 900 90 7832.