Author(s)

Abstract

This conference report outlines a new course for social protection in Sudan, a country plunged into a severe humanitarian and displacement crisis by armed conflict. The document analyzes the collapse of Sudan's formal social protection system, rooted in a history of political instability, elite capture, and profound inequalities. It summarises the outcomes of a conference that convened Sudanese experts to re-imagine a social protection system suited to the current fragmented and volatile context. Key recommendations advocate for a fundamental shift away from orthodox, centralized, government-led models towards localized, adaptive, and conflict-sensitive approaches. The report emphasizes the need to build on existing local structures and informal mechanisms, such as Emergency Response Rooms and mutual aid groups. It highlights the necessity of linking humanitarian cash assistance with emerging, long-term social protection frameworks. The document identifies significant technical and coordination challenges, including the breakdown of financial services, fragmented beneficiary data systems, and poor donor collaboration. As a primary next step, it proposes the formation of a Sudanese-led "Social Protection Alliance" to develop a new roadmap, guided by principles of localization, inclusion, equity, and a deep understanding of the political economy of the conflict to ensure aid does 'no harm'.