In the last month, the eyes of the international community have largely turned to Sudan, a North African country where political tensions have escalated into full-blown violence.

The conflict is swiftly resulting in a large-scale refugee emergency as tens of thousands of Sudanese flee the country amid what looks to be a burgeoning civil war. Experts are calling it a rapidly developing humanitarian crisis.

In this episode, Emma speaks with University of Denver Korbel School of International Studies professors Gary Grappo and Chen Reis about how Americans deal with diplomatic officials in war zones and about how humanitarian aid can make a difference in the developing crisis.

Gary Grappo is a Distinguished Fellow and adjunct faculty at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies. He is a career diplomat and former United States Ambassador to Oman. Grappo served all over the world, in countries from Nicaragua to Portugal to Saudi Arabia. He is also the founder and CEO of Equilibrium International Consulting, which “offers in-depth knowledge and real-world experience in and expertise on the Middle East to analyze, offer guidance and advice, write and speak on the region and other parts of the world.”

Chen Reis is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of the Humanitarian Assistance program, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. Prior to joining Korbel in Fall of 2011 she was a Technical Officer focusing on a range of humanitarian policy and practice issues at the World Health Organization, Geneva Switzerland (2004-2011). From 2001-2004 she was a Senior Research Associate with Physicians for Human Rights USA. She is the author of numerous articles, reports and book chapters. Dr. Reis is an internationally recognized expert on issues related to sexual violence in humanitarian crises and has advised governments and organizations on responses to gender-based violence.