Meet the ambassadors at Security CouncilEdem Wosornu, Executive Director at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), described the situation as “The crisis is staggering and devastating in scale”.
“It requires constant and urgent attention,” she emphasized.
Ms. Wosornu detailed the dire consequences of the conflict that erupted between rival armies vying for power and influence last April.
Since then, more than 12 million people – nearly a quarter of Sudan’s population – have been displaced. Of those, more than 3.2 million people have fled to neighboring countries as refugees, putting strain on regions already struggling with limited resources.
The brutality spread
Fierce fighting continues to rage in populated areas, with widespread disregard for international humanitarian law on all sides.
Civilians have been killed and injured in overwhelming numbers, sexual violence is widespread and essential infrastructure – including health care and education facilities – lies in ruins.
Deadly diseases such as cholera are also spreading rapidly, leaving millions of people facing hunger and severe malnutrition.
UN efforts on the ground
Ms. Wosornu highlighted the efforts of United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who recently visited Sudan and neighboring Chad.
She announced that progress had been made in opening vital aid routes and improving humanitarian access, in particular extending access to the key Adre border crossing with Chad.
Also in Chad, Mr. Fletcher announced the immediate allocation of 5 million USD from the UN Central emergency response fund (CERF) to support overwhelmed local and international responders helping Sudanese refugees.
While in Sudan, the World Food Program (WFP) arrived at the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people in North Darfur last month – the United Nations’ first food convoy since famine was confirmed in July.
Overview of the Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan.
Advance in combat
However, the second WFP convoy to the camp was delayed due to escalating fierce fighting, including shocking reports of continuous shelling of the camp itself, causing thousands to flee, Ms. Wosornu speak.
“Recent days have seen more reports of civilian casualties from indiscriminate attacks. – including aerial bombardment and artillery shelling – in [the provincial capital] El Fryer and other areas of Darfur,” she added.
An airstrike on a crowded market in Kabkabiya in North Darfur last week is believed to have killed dozens of people and injured many more, while operations at El Fasher’s main hospital were suspended due to a rocket attack was said to have occurred last Friday, which included patients among the casualties.
Call to action
Ms. Wosornu outlined three main demands for Security Council members, calling for clear requirements for warring parties to comply with international standards and protect civilians and essential infrastructure. , while ending sexual violence as a tool of war.
In addition, Council members must use their influence to ensure all relief routes remain open, including cross-border and cross-conflict routes. She called for the removal of bureaucratic barriers – such as delays in issuing visas.
Finally, financial resources must be provided on a large scale to overcome serious financial shortfalls. She called on donors to match the $4.2 billion needed to support 21 million people in Sudan and an additional $1.8 billion to support refugees in seven neighboring countries.
She concluded her press conference by emphasizing that while humanitarian organizations will bring intensity, energy and creativity to their mission of supporting communities in need, “The only way to end this cycle of violence, death and destruction is [Security] The Council faces the challenge of bringing lasting peace in Sudan.”
