The conflict between Darfur opposition movements and the Government of Sudan, has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises in recent times. More than 2.5 million people have been internally displaced and more than 200,000 refugees have crossed into Chad.

The HD Centre has been attempting to help address the dire humanitarian situation in Darfur since April 2003. In 2008, the focus of activities shifted to providing opportunities for dialogue with the belligerents on humanitarian issues.

In September 2009, the HD Centre organised workshops with the Justice & Equality Movement and representatives of the humanitarian community in Nairobi. Together they discussed safe humanitarian access, high-jacking of humanitarian agency vehicles, the protection of civilians, the rights of internally displace people, and a potential humanitarian ceasefire.