Sudan: Catastrophic levels of human suffering - Security Council Briefing | United Nations

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, also briefed the Council, describing the horrific humanitarian situation in El Fasher. He said that the Sudan crisis is fundamentally a failure of protection, and of our responsibility to uphold international law. The violence extends beyond Darfur as well. Fletcher noted that across Sudan, and despite the massive threats, cuts, and constraints to our work, the humanitarian community has reached 13.5 million people between January and August. He said, “Stop arming this violence and insist that stopping this conflict is more important than any narrow political or commercial interests. Those who want to leave El Fasher must be able to do so safely. Those who remain must be protected. There must be accountability for those carrying out the killing and the sexual violence. For those giving the orders. And those providing the weapons should consider their responsibility.” He also said, “Humanitarians simply asking that we be allowed to do our jobs and save lives is not working. You must demand that we are able to operate everywhere, including by deploying national and international staff into areas of greatest need. We ask you to use your muscle to create genuine pressure to ensure this.” In this context, he added, “I am furious that the World Food Programme’s Country Director and Emergency Coordinator have been expelled by the Sudanese authorities, without explanation.” Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations affirmed that the World Food Program “supports the Sudan and that the decision to evict some of those persons who work for the program doesn't reflect on a relationship with the program. We are, we are determined to facilitate Mr. Fletcher's work in the Sudan.” He concluded, “I want to be clear: there will be no negotiation with this terrorist militia unless it lays down its arms and ceases its aggression against the Sudanese people.” After the meeting, the members of the Security Council issued a press statement expressing grave concern about the violence in and around El Fasher.


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