Statement by Ambassador at the UN Security Council
meeting on Sudan.
"Thank you, President, and let me start by thanking ASG Pobee and
Director Wosornu for your very helpful updates to the Council.
President, I want to start by echoing the alarms that we have
heard today on the conflict’s catastrophic impact on civilians in
Sudan, with an estimated 24.7 million in need of humanitarian
assistance. The country, as we’ve heard, is now one of the worst
in the world for humanitarian access.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces continue to
double down on fighting, while the Sudanese people face rolling
blackouts and the horrifying daily reality of decomposing bodies
in the streets.
The humanitarian impacts are made worse by credible evidence to
suggest serious violations of International Humanitarian Law by
both the SAF and RSF, which could amount to war crimes and crimes
against humanity. This includes, as we’ve heard, incidents of
sexual violence and air strikes in populated areas resulting in
heavy loss of civilian life.
There are also credible reports of the targeted killing of
civilians and atrocities against specific ethnic groups in
Darfur, with much of the bloodshed attributed to RSF units and
allied militias.
We welcome the ICC Prosecutor’s decision to commence
investigations into offences committed in the current conflict
and also call on the Sudanese authorities to ensure full
accountability.
President, we need to see the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid
Support Forces put the interests of their people first
immediately to end hostilities and enter negotiations in good
faith.
And in this context, we welcome the diplomatic efforts of
regional partners, including the African Union, IGAD
[Intergovernmental Authority on Development] and the League of
Arab States to restore peace to Sudan.
Second, in the 11 May Jeddah Declaration, as we’ve heard, both
parties committed to act in accordance with their international
obligations and to enable and facilitate unhindered humanitarian
access in line with International Humanitarian Law.
I congratulate OCHA on their extraordinary efforts to get
humanitarian aid into Sudan but I also echo Ms Wosurnu’s calls.
As we’ve heard, attacks on humanitarian convoys in areas under
RSF control, and we need to see the removal of bureaucratic
obstacles, such as restrictive customs procedures causing delays
in issuing visas and travel permits.
President, the people of Sudan have suffered far too long. Those
who have the ability to end this suffering should spare no effort
to bring an end to the conflict."
