“Suffering is increasing by the day, with nearly 25 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr. Guterres said. speak ambassador at Security Councilhighlights the harsh conditions the people are enduring 18 months of conflict.
He described the situation as a series of endless nightmares.
“Thousands of civilians died and countless others faced unspeakable brutalityincluding widespread rape and sexual assault.”
Serial murder and sexual violence It was also recently reported in Aj Jazirah state, he added, warning that conflict in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the entire region, affecting neighboring countries from the Sahel to the Red Sea.
Displacement, disease, famine
The Secretary-General also warned that famine is raging in displacement camps in North Darfur, leaving 750,000 people on the brink of starvation.
Meanwhile, millions of other people across the country are struggling to feed themselves. Disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria and dengue fever, are spreading rapidly as health systems collapse.
“Sudan is also the world’s largest migration crisis, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year.including nearly three million people who have crossed the border into neighboring countries,” he said, noting that hundreds of thousands of people are still affected by extreme weather and the impacts of climate change.
External factors “ignite the fire”
The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations’ call for both the SAF and RSF to stop fighting and seek peace through negotiations.
“But instead of easing tensions, they escalated military action. Meanwhile, outside forces are adding fuel to the fire.”
Mr. Guterres said Security Council resolution 2736, adopted by the Council in June, sent a “strong signal” and called for “real action.”
He also emphasized his recommendations on the protection of civilians in Sudan that he presented last week, according to the resolution.
Civilians must be protected
Mr. Guterres emphasized three priorities.
First, he called for an immediate end to hostilities, calling on both sides to agree to a ceasefire and humanitarian pause that could pave the way for peace negotiations.
Second, the Secretary-General called for stronger measures to protect civilians. He expressed horror at the continued attacks on civilians in El Fasher and Khartoum, including air strikes on populated areas.
“Those who commit war crimes must be held accountable,He said, stressing that “the direct or indirect flow of arms and ammunition” into Sudan “must stop immediately.”
He also stated that currently, “there are no conditions” for the successful deployment of United Nations forces to protect civilians in Sudan, adding that the Secretariat is ready to cooperate with the Security Council and other organizations in ways that can contribute meaningfully to world development. reduce violence and protect civilians.
Humanitarian aid must flow
Finally, Mr. Guterres emphasized the need for uninterrupted humanitarian access.
He warned that despite the efforts of the United Nations and humanitarian partners, millions of people are still cut off from aid. While the reopening of the Adre border crossing between Sudan and Chad offers some hope, he called on both sides to release more life-saving supplies to reach those most in need.
The Secretary-General also called on donors to provide urgent funding, noting that the $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal was only 56% funded, while the refugee response plan in the area it’s even worse.
Decisive action now
Finally, Mr. Guterres praised the work of Sudanese-led local initiatives, such as the 700 Emergency Response Rooms, which have provided life-saving aid in extremely dangerous conditions.
“Through their work, they are showing us another side of Sudan – the best of humanity in a country that is suffering the worst,” he said, calling on the Society to The Security Council and the international community draw inspiration from their example.
“It is time to act – decisive action – for peace for the people of Sudan.”
