UK Condemns Humanitarian Crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo
The UK has condemned the escalating humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reported on severe violence affecting civilians, especially women and children. He called for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, and international attention to these conflicts, which have led to significant human suffering and displacement.
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, characterizing the situations as amongst the most severe humanitarian crises of our time. During a statement in Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy reported on the catastrophic conditions in Sudan, where the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has extended for 21 months, resulting in significant human suffering.
Recent developments include an assault by RSF forces on the last operational hospital in El-Fasher, Darfur, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 70 patients and their caregivers, as reported by the World Health Organization. Lammy also condemned the RSF’s shelling of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons and highlighted extrajudicial killings by SAF-aligned militias in Wad Madani. He stated, “These attacks show a callous disregard for international humanitarian law and innocent Sudanese civilians.”
Having recently visited Adré on the Chad-Sudan border, Lammy shared harrowing testimonials from refugees, predominantly women and children. One woman displayed scars from brutal violence, having suffered burns and sexual assault, illustrating the severe plight faced by these vulnerable populations.
Turning attention to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lammy noted the alarming advancement of M23 rebels into the eastern city of Goma, marking the first incursion of this nature since 2012. This offensive has resulted in the deaths of United Nations peacekeepers and has displaced hundreds of thousands, exacerbating the already precarious situation for women and children, with reports of horrific violence including mutilations.
Lammy expressed disappointment at the global community’s lack of focus on African conflicts, urging that “there should be no hierarchy of conflicts,” and emphasizing the need for enhanced international involvement. He called for immediate measures, including a permanent ceasefire in Sudan, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and a sustained UN presence in the region.
Additionally, the UK has amended its travel advice for its nationals, recommending avoidance of the Rubavu district in Rwanda, which borders the conflict-stricken area near Goma. Despite acknowledging the intricate nature of these conflicts, Lammy stressed that inaction is not a viable option, noting, “Civilians in Sudan and eastern DRC must feel so powerless.” He vowed that the UK would continue to advocate for global attention to these crises and work towards their resolution.
The ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo present severe humanitarian challenges with significant international implications. The struggle in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has created a humanitarian disaster that has persisted for over two years. Concurrently, the DRC faces tremendous violence due to M23 rebel incursions, leading to substantial civilian casualties and displacement, particularly affecting women and children. Such situations demand urgent global attention and intervention to stabilize the region and protect vulnerable populations.
In summary, the United Kingdom has condemned the growing humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the urgent need for international action. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the horrific conditions faced by civilians due to ongoing conflicts, advocating for immediate measures to address these issues. The UK’s commitment to bringing attention to these crises demonstrates the importance of global responsibility in addressing humanitarian rights violations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
