MSF Urges UN Security Council to Address Crisis in Sudan: A Call for Action

Christopher Lockyear of MSF briefed the UN Security Council on the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, denouncing the conflict as a “war on people” due to the violence against civilians. He emphasized the urgent need for aid and protection for affected populations, calling for a new commitment from the international community to address the humanitarian challenges amid ongoing violence and bureaucratic obstacles.

Christopher Lockyear, the Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), addressed the United Nations Security Council regarding the catastrophic humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He emphasized the urgency of ending violence against civilians and reaffirmed the necessity of delivering lifesaving aid immediately.

Lockyear described the war in Sudan as a “war on people,” highlighting the indiscriminate bombing of populated areas by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the brutality inflicted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. These actions have resulted in systematic sexual violence, abductions, mass killings, and humanitarian aid theft, while also besieging towns and obstructing vital humanitarian assistance.

MSF is providing medical care across 11 states in Sudan, adhering to humanitarian principles. Teams have observed alarming malnutrition levels and a rise in diseases, underscoring the urgent need for food and medical supplies as the rainy season approaches. Lockyear addressed the Security Council, stating that the war cannot continue without regard for civilian lives and criticized the insufficient international response to the crisis.

Lockyear articulated that it is imperative for the international community to adopt a new commitment focused on civilian protection and humanitarian needs. He noted, “Millions of lives depend on it,” underscoring the necessity for a radical change in approach to effectively address the crisis stemming from two years of violence in Sudan.

In his address, Lockyear recounted his recent visit to Khartoum state, where he witnessed devastating injuries at Al-Nao Hospital following shelling by the RSF. Reports indicated a surge in casualties, including targeted assaults on civilians, particularly women and children. He highlighted how violence against civilians is fundamentally entwined with the ongoing conflict, further escalating humanitarian needs.

MSF has expanded its medical programs to over 22 hospitals and 42 primary health facilities across Sudan, revealing a critical rise in severe malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases. The organization indicated that the violence driving these humanitarian needs constitutes a central feature of the conflict, compounded by restrictions on humanitarian access.

Despite minor improvements in cross-border access and humanitarian flights, the overall situation remains dire. Lockyear pointed out the complexities in delivering aid amid bureaucratic hurdles and ongoing violence from the RSF. Restrictions imposed by armed groups impede the efficient delivery of lifesaving assistance.

The humanitarian response has faced challenges due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of accountability. Lockyear criticized the ineffective use of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians in Sudan, calling for a new compact that emphasizes civilian protection and an independent humanitarian response, devoid of political interference.

This compact must be supported by robust leadership and ensured compliance by the warring parties. Lockyear appealed for increased funding and effective engagement from the international community, emphasizing the need for full operational capabilities for UN agencies in Sudan as the crisis worsens with the looming rainy season.

In conclusion, Lockyear reiterated the urgent necessity for a shift away from ineffective past approaches to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. With millions of lives at stake, the international community must take decisive action to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid without further delay.

In summary, the address by Christopher Lockyear highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict in Sudan, which he described as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Urging immediate actions to protect civilians and facilitate aid, Lockyear underscored the need for innovative approaches that transcend the ineffective strategies of the past. With millions affected, he called for increased accountability and donor engagement to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese population.

Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org