The UN Security Council addressed the situation in Sudan today. Fighting and violence against civilians continue to escalate and humanitarian needs are enormous. “Attacks on civilians must stop immediately. Protecting them is not a choice, but an obligation”, Switzerland emphasized in New York. It also stated that an immediate cessation of hostilities must be a priority. This is the most effective and only way to strengthen the security and protection of the Sudanese civilian population.
In addition, Switzerland emphasised that international humanitarian law and human rights must be respected by all parties to the conflict under all circumstances. The humanitarian situation also urgently needs to be improved. Thousands of people are starving or being forced to flee. Humanitarian organisations are reaching their limits and urgently require additional financial resources to cope with the situation. In view of this, Switzerland called on all parties to the conflict in the Council to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across borders and front lines.
Conflict prevention in the regions of Sudan that are not affected by the fighting is also crucial. In these areas, the civilian population is also suffering from the effects of the conflict. These include food insecurity, the massive influx of internally displaced persons and scarcity of resources.
Since the outbreak of the war, Switzerland has already provided substantial support with its good offices for peace in Sudan. For example, it hosted UN talks with the conflicting parties and provided a framework for confidential negotiations in Switzerland between a wide range of Sudanese political players. Switzerland is also working to end the war through its special envoy for the Horn of Africa.
In New York, Switzerland called for diplomatic efforts to be stepped up to find a solution to the conflict by means of an inclusive political process. The Security Council also has an obligation to act. In this context, Switzerland is constructively committed to the adoption of a resolution to protect the civilian population in Sudan.
