Sacha Baron Cohen donates $500,000 to children in Sudan to fight famine

Sacha Baron Cohen is committed to helping children in Sudan amid a hunger crisis.

The Oscar-nominated star has donated $500,000 to the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children USA for Sudan to support the organizations there in the groundwork as they assist citizens in the wake of a devastating conflict between Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces that have exacerbated famine conditions. In addition to writing a check, Cohen is calling on “friends, colleagues and the general public” to join him.

“Currently, 25.6 million people are suffering from hunger in Sudan, a country fast heading towards its worst famine in decades, yet this crisis is receiving worryingly little attention,” he said in a statement. “This contribution is a small step towards addressing the immense needs in Sudan. I am pleased to continue to support the IRC and Save the Children, who provide essential food, water, sanitation and health services to those most in need, both in Sudan and in neighboring countries where people are seeking refuge. The Sudanese people urgently need our help and must not be forgotten.”

David Miliband, president and CEO of the IRC, said his organization was “deeply grateful” to Cohen for the donation, which will go toward food, water, sanitation and protection for displaced people. “Eighteen months of war have destroyed homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, making Sudan the world's largest displacement and worst hunger crisis – yet only half of the aid needed has been received. As the disaster continues to spread to neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan, the world’s neglect is costing lives.”

Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children, added: “We are incredibly grateful that Sacha continues to support the world's forgotten crises and their ongoing impact on children.” The crisis in Sudan has remained out of sight for many people, yet Support for children and families there is urgently needed. 222,000 severely malnourished children are likely to die in the coming months if their needs are not met.”

Cohen's donation marks the actor's latest philanthropic endeavor, having previously donated to support children and families in countries including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Somalia. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Cohen sent personal protective equipment to National Health Service workers and first responders in the United Kingdom. He is also co-founder of Stop Hate for Profit, a coalition that denounces social media companies that profit from conspiracy theories, racism and hateful rhetoric.