Thank you, Mr. President.
I would also like to express my gratitude to OCHA’s Director, Ms. Wosornu, and Ms. Lewis for their presentations, and in particular to the Sultan of the Masalit community for sharing his personal testimony.
When Switzerland first addressed this Council on the situation in Sudan in March last year, the country was at a critical point in its transition to democracy. A transition on which the Sudanese people's hopes for freedom, peace and justice rested. However, the outbreak of the conflict a month later shattered these hopes and inflicted immeasurable suffering on millions of people.
An utter disregard for human life, illustrated by countless violations of international law, has since led to the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. In view of the further escalation of clashes between the SAF and the RSF in several states in recent days, and the relentless bombardment of El Fasher and Zamzam camp by the RSF, an immediate cessation of hostilities is imperative, as this Council has repeatedly called for.
As this is the last meeting at which Switzerland will speak on this issue as a member of the Council, I would like to reiterate the following points:
First of all, international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as commitments such as the Jeddah Declaration, must be fully respected and implemented by the parties to the conflict, who are obliged to protect civilians in all circumstances. As a member of the “Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan” (ALPS) group, we are working with the parties to facilitate humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians – a priority of Switzerland in the Council. As we have also emphasised over the past two years, local organisations play an essential role in the protection of civilians and in the humanitarian response. Their protection deserves particular attention, as underlined by Resolution 2730, which reminds the parties of their obligation to protect humanitarian personnel.
This brings me to my second point, which is no less urgent: we must continue to improve the humanitarian situation. This week, our Deputy Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, accompanied by our Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, were on mission to Sudan. The Swiss delegation travelled to Kassala to assess first-hand the immense humanitarian needs and the many challenges facing the humanitarian response. During our mandate, we have consistently called for rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access across all borders and frontlines, and for the removal of all obstacles and obstructions. The world's worst food crisis, leading to the first confirmation of famine in years, has been a priority for us, particularly as the informal Co-Focal Point for Resolution 2417. The rapid establishment of UN humanitarian hubs across the country and continued funding are also essential. We are determined to maintain our humanitarian support: since the beginning of the conflict, Switzerland has committed more than 100 million dollars to Sudan and the countries affected by the conflict.
And third, we must ensure accountability, which has been largely absent over the last twenty years. Without it, peace will remain out of reach. We will continue to call for action beyond our mandate in the Council, given – among other issues – the appalling reports of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, mainly committed by the RSF, as well as ethnic violence and repeated warnings of the risk of genocide. In the same vein, we reiterate our appeal to the parties and Member States to ensure the full implementation of the resolutions of this Council, in particular by refraining from any external interference and by respecting the arms embargo, whose flagrant violations continue to fuel the conflict.
Finally, we must intensify our diplomatic efforts to facilitate a Sudanese-led political process. In this respect, Switzerland welcomes and supports the important engagement of the African Union and Sudan's neighbours. Switzerland remains committed to promoting the active and meaningful participation of women in all discussions on the future of their country. We also reiterate our strong support for the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, in complementing and coordinating diplomatic efforts and in working with the parties to enhance the protection of civilians. We remain at his disposal for any support, as we have done in the past as host state to the proximity talks in Geneva.
Mr. President,
In the midst of this man-made disaster, hope remains, as explained by the personal testimony of Hanna Eltijani in this room under our Presidency in October. This hope must guide our efforts within the Council. It is our responsibility to act without delay and to speak with one voice in the face of this human tragedy. As Switzerland's term on the Council draws to a close, we reaffirm our solidarity and our ongoing commitment to freedom, peace and justice for all Sudanese.
I thank you.