Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Sudan.
"President, nearly two years since the start of this war, and
once again I cannot fail to be struck by the reports of death and
destruction.
More violence. More families ripped apart. More children
starving.
Last month, my Foreign Secretary visited Adré and heard
first-hand about the suffering faced by women. The suffering of
sexual violence, of rape, of hunger, who had fled the conflict.
It does not need to be this way.
The parties to the conflict can take actions now to end the
suffering.
And I'd like to highlight three priorities.
First, we urge the parties to end their military ambitions and
focus on creating the conditions for peace, including through
full co-operation with UN and African Union mediation
efforts.
We share the Secretary-General's deep concern at the announcement
by the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated civilian actors and
armed groups of a political charter that expresses an intention
to establish a governing authority in areas of their control.
Deepened divisions risk even further destabilisation in Sudan and
the region.
Respect for Sudan's charter rights, its unity, sovereignty and
territorial integrity is vital and will be necessary for a
sustainable end to this war.
In April, my Foreign Secretary will invite Foreign Ministers from
some 20 states and international organisations to London, for
discussions focused on supporting a peaceful way forward for the
Sudanese people.
Second, both parties must facilitate the rapid and unimpeded
passage of humanitarian relief to people in need.
The decision by the Sudanese Armed Forces to keep the Adré border
crossing open is welcome.
But with over 30 million people in humanitarian need, it is
simply not enough.
We urge the SAF to open Adré permanently, and authorise the use
of further regional border crossings.
We call on both sides to lift unnecessary bureaucratic
impediments which are delaying aid deliveries by weeks, and to
provide humanitarian actors with security guarantees to operate
safely.
Third, we reiterate the Council's calls for the Rapid Support
Forces to end their siege on El Fasher and cease all attacks on
civilians and civilian infrastructure.
We call on both parties to protect civilians, in line with their
obligations under the Jeddah Declaration.
Mr President, the parties to the conflict should act now to end
this suffering."
