As Sudanese master's students living and studying in the United Kingdom, we are deeply affected by the devastating war in our home country, Sudan, that began on April 15, 2023. Gripped by the terrifying news of our homeland and our people’s suffering, we bear the brunt of emotional distress, which significantly hampers our academic performance and mental health.

Throughout the academic year, our universities have not once reached out to us as Sudanese students and expressed the will to support us in any way. Most probably, by now, the war in Sudan is no longer considered urgent; rather, it has fallen out of the news cycle. Meanwhile, in reality, the conflict is intensifying and expanding throughout the country at an unprecedented record.

Despite these dire circumstances, the inaction from our universities here in the UK has been disheartening. The lack of support for us Sudanese students as we struggle to stay focused on our education amidst a personal crisis is disappointing. Yet we are expected to hand in well-written dissertations beginning in August. Otherwise, we face the ghost of displacement, as any extension may likely jeopardize our right to obtain “graduate visas”.

These worries mirror the stories of many Sudanese students across UK universities. As they stand, we are left to deal with our distress alone. Higher education institutions, which ought to be our safe havens, offer no shoulder to lean on in such tumultuous times. However, this needs to change.

It is not only a moral duty but also a requirement under the principles of student welfare for these institutions to stand with us during our testing times. Universities must take immediate action to offer counselling services, financial aid, deadline extensions, and other necessary support to Sudanese students affected by the ongoing war.

Let us unite and make a call to action for all UK universities, imploring them to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take solid steps to aid their Sudanese students. We call upon everyone to understand our plight and sign this petition to underscore the urgent necessity for change. Stand with us by signing this petition.