The Duchess of Edinburgh meets Sudanese youth and activists as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises enters fourth year

Hosted by Plan International UK, of which Her Royal Highness is Patron, the event brought together Sudanese youth advocates, civil society organisations, UK Government representatives and humanitarian experts to highlight the need for renewed attention and action on one of the world’s most underreported crises.

The roundtable discussion centred the voices of Sudanese people, who shared first-hand experiences of the conflict and its disproportionate impact on girls, including disruption to education, heightened risk of violence, and displacement.

As part of yesterday’s event, The Duchess joined an intimate discussion with youth representatives and took part in a symbolic “reflection tree,” where attendees shared messages of solidarity and hope for Sudan’s future.

The meeting marked three years since the start of the conflict, which has left over 30 million people, including 17 million children, in need of urgent humanitarian assistance – the highest number of people in need anywhere in the world.

Speaking at the event, The Duchess of Edinburgh said: “After three years of conflict, Sudan is reaping the most horrendous human cost on the planet.

“I’ve had the privilege of speaking to women impacted by conflicts from all over the world – but the stories from Sudan are the most harrowing I have ever heard. No human should ever have to encounter such devastation and violence.

“We must not forget about Sudan and I will keep raising my voice where and when I can.”

Tasneem, a Sudanese youth activist and organiser with London for Sudan shared: “Three years ago I was glued to my social media, searching for news and praying that I wouldn’t see that the fighting had reached any areas where I knew people. I called my Aunt in Sudan to see if she was okay – this was the first time I heard gunfire over the phone. It has been three years now, but far too many people are still desensitised to the crisis in Sudan.

“We need to support organisations on the ground that are saving lives. Everyone has to mobilise and talk about what is happening to Sudan. We need to see Sudanese people as worthy of speaking up about.”

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been a consistent advocate for women and girls affected by conflict. In October 2024, Her Royal Highness visited the Chad-Sudan border, where she met families and young people supported by Plan International and saw first-hand the impact of the crisis.

Sudan remains the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. More than 21 million people are facing extreme hunger, with famine declared in parts of the country, and 12 million people - a quarter of the population - are thought to be at risk of gender-based violence, including rape and sexual assault. 

Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK, emphasised the significance of The Duchess’s support: “As we mark three years since the start of the conflict, millions of children - especially girls - continue to face immense challenges, from disrupted education to increased risk of violence. Despite the scale of this crisis, it remains critically underreported and underfunded.

We are honoured by The Duchess of Edinburgh’s continued support in helping to shine a light on Sudan and amplify the voices of young people calling for change.”

To find out more about Plan International UK, visit plan-uk.org. 

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Notes to editors:

About Plan International UK

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.  

Poverty, violence, and discrimination still hold back millions of children around the world. And it’s often girls that are most affected. That’s why ensuring girls get equal chances in life is at the heart of everything we do.    
 
We work across more than 80 countries to build a future where every child is safe and receives an education. A world where all girls are free from violence, in control of their own body, know their rights and have their voices heard.

And if disaster strikes, we’re there too. We work to protect children, keep them learning and help their communities recover. 

But we don’t do it alone. To create lasting change, we work together with children, local communities, partners, and our supporters who believe a better future is possible.  

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

About The Duchess of Edinburgh’s patronage

The Duchess of Edinburgh became the Royal Patron of Plan International UK in November 2024.

The Duchess’s patronage continues the tradition of Royal support, following on from the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who was Patron of the charity for eight years until 2021.

Her Royal Highness supports the charity’s work to end violence against women and girls in conflict and crisis settings and helps to raise greater awareness about the barriers facing girls around the world.