The warring parties must ensure Sudanese civilians are protected: UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council

President, 

We welcome the adoption of this resolution renewing the 1591 sanctions regime, and we thank the U.S. for leading us in these negotiations.

Let me make two points.

First, the Sudanese people have suffered from this man-made conflict for over eighteen months. Last week the UN Fact-Finding Mission reported systematic human rights abuses are being carried out by both the RSF and SAF on Sudanese civilians on a daily basis, including sexual and gender-based violence, torture, mass civilian casualties and displacement, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure.

With both sides continuing to believe that the solution to this conflict will be on the battleground, we urgently call on States to refrain from enhancing either side's fighting capability. Instead, those who have influence with the parties must use it to bring them to the negotiating table.

We also recall the importance of today's renewal of the arms embargo on Darfur.

Second, President, we welcome today's reaffirmation of the importance of the warring parties ensuring the protection of civilians. International humanitarian law is the cornerstone of our efforts to protect civilians during armed conflicts, and its principles must be rigorously upheld and enforced in Sudan.

The UK will continue to press all parties on this matter.