The situation in Sudan was at the centre of a briefing of the UN Security Council on 19 December, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In view of a further escalation of violence between the parties to the conflict, Switzerland emphasised the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. During the briefing, Switzerland also reiterated the need for full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as the Jeddah commitments, by all parties to the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has significantly deteriorated since the fighting began in April 2023. ‘We must continue to work to improve the humanitarian situation. During our term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we repeatedly called for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across all borders and front lines and for the removal of all obstacles,’ said Switzerland's representative, Ambassador Thomas Gürber. Switzerland is committed to maintaining its support in response to the situation in Sudan and has increased its humanitarian aid. So far, it has provided around CHF 100 million to its partner organisations, including the ICRC, the World Food Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and international NGOs. This aid is intended for activities in Sudan and in neighbouring countries that are also affected by the consequences of the crisis.
Accountability, which has been largely absent over the last 20 years, must also be ensured. ‘Without it, peace will remain out of reach,’ Gürber emphasised in New York. Finally, Switzerland called for diplomatic efforts to facilitate a Sudanese-led political process to be intensified. In this regard, Switzerland welcomes and supports the important engagement of the African Union and Sudan's neighbouring countries. As part of its good offices, Switzerland hosted the proximity talks held in Geneva under the auspices of the UN and continues to be available to support this process. It is also a member of the diplomatic coalition ‘Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan’ (ALPS), which was formed in connection with the Sudan Conference held in Switzerland in August 2024.
