UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, following the Security Council adoption
of resolution 2736 on El Fasher.
The adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: the
Council demands that the Rapid Support Forces immediately stop
the siege of El Fasher and that all sides step back from the
brink. An attack on the city would be catastrophic for the
1.5 million Sudanese civilians sheltering in the city.
We tabled this resolution to help secure a localised ceasefire
around El Fasher – and create the wider conditions to support
de-escalation across the country and ultimately, save
lives. Civilians need to be allowed to leave the city
should they wish, and aid needs to get in.
President, the situation in Sudan is desperate and the
humanitarian needs of Sudan's population are severe, particularly
across Darfur. This resolution underlines the need for
full, rapid, safe and unhindered cross-border and cross-line
humanitarian access.
It calls on the Sudanese authorities to increase cooperation with
UN agencies and to urgently reopen the Adre border to help
facilitate a significant scale-up of humanitarian assistance. And
in this regard, the resolution urges the international community
to increase their support and fulfil existing pledges.
The protection needs in Sudan are alarming. Through this
resolution, we request that the Secretary-General provide
recommendations on supporting the protection of civilians in
Sudan, building on the existing good office's work, and the vital
mandate of his Personal Envoy on Sudan Mr. Lamamra. Let me
take this opportunity to underline the United Kingdom's full
backing of Mr. Lamamra's mediation efforts and his work to help
complement and coordinate regional efforts to restore peace.
President, this Council has sent a strong signal to the parties
to the conflict today. This brutal and unjust conflict needs to
end. Today's resolution shows the Council remains committed to
supporting efforts for peace in Sudan. We look forward to
continuing to work across the UN, across the region and with
Council members towards this goal.
And in that regard, I close by thanking my colleagues, across the
Council, for their engagement on this resolution.
