Urgent Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access in Sudan
The Human Rights Council addressed Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. The international community is urged to support local initiatives, particularly those led by women, in combating the man-made famine caused by conflict. Reports of extensive human rights abuses necessitate urgent action to protect civilians and promote accountability for perpetrators.
The Human Rights Council recently convened to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by armed conflict and famine, resulting in significant civilian suffering. A joint statement by ISHR, SURWA, and the WHRDMENA Coalition implores immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and international support, especially directed to women’s humanitarian initiatives. The High Commissioner condemned egregious human rights violations, emphasizing that urgent international action is vital to avert further civilian casualties.
During the debate, the African Union’s Special Envoy on Genocide, Adama Dieng, emphasized collective pressure on conflicting parties to facilitate necessary concessions and impose sanctions against human rights violators. Sudanese civil society representative Hanaa Eltigani reiterated calls for freedom and justice, declaring that no agenda could overshadow these fundamental demands. Many nations underscored the necessity for immediate ceasefires and safeguarding civilians and humanitarian workers.
The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan has reached unprecedented levels due to deliberate actions by warring factions, including the weaponization of famine through restricted aid. Millions are trapped in conflict zones with inadequate access to essential resources. Local initiatives led primarily by women’s groups continue to provide vital support despite facing severe risks and limited funding, highlighting their resilience amidst overwhelming challenges.
The statement urges all nations to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. It calls on UN mechanisms to prioritize documenting aid obstruction and famine issues. Moreover, the international community is urged to increase financial support for local humanitarian groups actively working on the ground in Sudan’s beleaguered regions, reaffirming the collective responsibility to protect civilians from war crimes.
The ongoing crisis in Sudan calls for urgent international response to ensure a ceasefire and protection for civilians. Local initiatives must be supported to uphold essential humanitarian efforts, particularly those led by women. The international community holds a critical role in addressing humanitarian aid access and promoting accountability for violations of human rights. Collective action is paramount to alleviate suffering and assist those affected by the conflict.
Original Source: ishr.ch
