Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
And I would like to thank Mrs Edem Wosornu of OCHA and Mr Stephen Omollo of WFP, for their sober but very clear presentations and for their ongoing commitment to the humanitarian response in Sudan.
We salute the tireless efforts of international and local humanitarian organizations in responding to this crisis, which is accumulating sad records. These include the world's highest number of internally displaced people and people suffering from acute food insecurity. We are dismayed by the Famine Review Committee's (FRC) revelation of cases of famine in Zamzam camp, near the capital of El Fasher.
Four months ago, we were warned of the "real risk of famine" at a meeting convened under Resolution 2417. This scenario is now materializing before our very eyes. The devastating armed conflict that continues without let-up is the main cause.
In view of the desperate situation of the civilian population, Switzerland reiterates three urgent appeals:
Firstly, we call on all parties to the conflict to immediately silence their weapons in Sudan, and in particular in El Fasher. We encourage dialogue around a political solution to this war, and support any initiative to this end. We welcome the encouraging first steps taken in recent weeks, under the leadership of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, in the hope that they will translate into progress on the ground.
Secondly, all parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. Despite a strengthened UN presence throughout the territory, the ongoing conflict and current heavy rains and flooding are making it even more difficult to deliver humanitarian aid, as we have just heard. The implementation of resolutions 2724 and 2736 is crucial if humanitarian aid is to be delivered quickly, safely and unhindered across all border crossings and front lines, in compliance with international humanitarian law. Although there have been encouraging improvements in recent weeks, bureaucratic and administrative obstacles to humanitarian actors persist. These must be removed immediately.
Thirdly, an urgent and tangible increase in financial support is essential to help the most vulnerable. Significant funding gaps remain, including for local organizations that are at the forefront of response efforts. Switzerland remains committed to the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region.
Mr. Chairman,
The facts in the CEF report, which led us to convene this meeting, call for action. Famine is spreading, and we fear it will manifest itself elsewhere in the country. The international community must mobilize the necessary resources and political commitment to respond. As one of the two informal focal points on conflict and hunger, Switzerland calls on all members of this Council to assume their responsibilities, as set out in Resolution 2417 adopted unanimously six years ago. We must remain mobilized to break the vicious circle between armed conflict and hunger.
Diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities and find a peaceful solution to the conflict must continue. In the meantime, and in general, respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, is paramount.
Thank you.