SOAS President Zeinab Badawi launches humanitarian aid initiative for Sudan
SOAS University of London President Zeinab Badawi marked the launch of Humanitarian Action for Sudan (HAS) at SOAS, an initiative created to address the crisis in Sudan and improve humanitarian support within the country.
The initiative was established and coordinated by Zeinab and other like-minded individuals, mostly from the Sudanese diaspora who share common interests as seasoned professionals, human rights advocates and doctors – to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
HAS is not only already providing a vital lifeline for desperate Sudanese, but it also demonstrates a new way forward for humanitarian assistance.
The HAS initiative acts to strengthen the provision of international aid to Sudan, while also pushing for wider engagement, fundraising, and facilitating humanitarian assistance in the country.
Speaking on the values of the initiative, Zeinab said:
“HAS is not only already providing a vital lifeline for desperate Sudanese, but it also demonstrates a new way forward for humanitarian assistance. By directly giving cash to emergency responders on the ground, with unrivalled local knowledge and networks, responders can provide emergency medical aid and food for communities across Sudan.
"This means there are no bureaucratic delays or obstacles, and help can be given and delivered in the fastest possible way. We ask donors to help us to help them so they can help themselves.”
SOAS will host a series of HAS events to provide an open forum for key experts to share knowledge, research and improve aid delivery. The work is led by Zeinab with the support of SOAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) Professor Laura Hammond, Professor Lutz Oette and Dr Nada Ali as members of the HAS steering group.
On-the-ground efforts include direct distribution of funds to affected Sudanese communities, delivering resources to emergency kitchens. The HAS provides weekly updates on developments in the country, in both English and Arabic, alongside collating relevant documents on how resources can be delivered effectively.
Further information on Humanitarian Action for Sudan can be found via the organisation website.
