UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK
Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN
Security Council vote to renew the 1591 sanctions regime on
Sudan.
"The United Kingdom welcomes the renewal of the Sudan sanctions
regime, including the alignment of the Panel of Experts'
mandate.
We are grateful to the United States as penholder for
facilitating negotiations and to Council members for their
engagement.
I will make three points.
First, we welcome the new language in the mandate expressing
concern at reports of conflict-related sexual violence.
In their most recent report, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan
documented widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based
violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage,
often targeting individuals based on their gender and ethnic
identity.
We urge the Committee to sanction perpetrators.
Second, the UK stands ready to support further strengthening and
expanding of this sanctions regime.
The conflict continues to intensify, with devastating impact on
civilians. This sanctions regime needs to be effective.
This should include tackling the growing use of mercenaries and
drones and addressing the expansion of fighting and arms flow
into the Kordofan states.
Third, President, we urge all Council members to support the work
of the Panel of Experts.
It is regrettable that for many months the Sudan panel's work has
been held up by some Council members.
We hope this can now change.
The panel plays a critical role in ensuring that sanctions are
effective.
This sanctions regime remains an important tool in the search for
peace and security in Sudan and the region.
It can help in the protection of civilians, including by
constraining the flow of arms.
We remain committed to working with Council members and regional
partners in support of a peaceful future for Sudan."
