Countries reportedly pledged more than $1 billion at the third international conference for Sudan, co-hosted by Germany, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France and the United Kingdom.
Comments were delivered by senior UN officials, including humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher Said “Sudan is a torture laboratory,” she said, citing the siege of towns such as El Fasher in Darfur, denial of food, use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and targeting of schools and hospitals.
Civilians and aid workers killed
“Drones have killed 700 people this year, and 130 humanitarians have been killed in three years,” he continued.
“I often have to call the families of those who died, and they always ask, did our family members die in vain?”
The war that broke out exactly three years ago today between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former ally Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst humanitarian and displacement crisis.
About 34 million people – two thirds of the population – are in need of humanitarian assistance. About 14 million people have been displaced, 19 million are going hungry and about 10 million children are out of school..
impact of gulf crisis
“The Middle East conflict is adding a layer to this challenge,” Mr. Fletcher said, pointing to the rising costs of food and fuel as well as freight, which have increased by 25 percent.
“Half of Sudan’s fertilizer comes from the GulfAnd we are getting closer to the main growing season in April and May,” he said.
The UN and partners are seeking $2.2 billion to reach 14 million people across the country this year, within an overall target of 20 million.
He stressed the need to “keep access routes open”, calling for more secure routes into Kordofans and Blue Nile State, referring to the Adre border crossing from eastern Chad – which is vital for aid delivery to millions of people in the Darfur region.
“We have to expand our footprint in Darfur,” he said, adding that 93 staff are now in the region – a threefold increase since October.
‘This nightmare must end’: Guterres
united nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres Thanked the international community for coming together once again to show solidarity with the people of Sudan.
“This nightmare must end,” he said Said In a video message. “This requires unity and urgency”
He stressed that civilians must be protected, humanitarians must be able to carry out their life-saving work safely, and aid operations must be fully funded.
“But let us be clear: funding alone is no substitute for peace,” the Secretary-General said.
“An immediate cessation of hostilities is essential. External interference and the flow of arms fueling this war must finally end. And A credible path towards an inclusive, citizen-led political process must be opened It reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
accountability for atrocities
On his part, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk Stressed on That “we need urgent joint action to hold those responsible accountable. This is the only way to end the violence and prevent further atrocities.”
His office has proposed “a set of human rights-based confidence-building measures that strengthen accountability as a core component of any path toward peace,” which has been shared with parties to the conflict, key Member States, and others.
Mr. Turk said that “Behind the destruction in Sudan lies a complex web of strategic and economic interests – and huge profits”
The warring parties are “exploiting the country’s gold, livestock and gum Arabic to pay for their war” and “external powers are providing advanced weapons systems and finance, while are promoting their own agendas”
He urged all countries to fully comply with the arms embargo in Darfur, ended arms transfers and referred to the overall situation in Sudan. International Criminal Court (ICC).
