UN Agencies and Member States Urge Swift Action to End Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis
As the General Assembly in New York concluded its high-level debate, UN agencies and Member States issued a renewed plea for swift action to ensure the safety of Sudan’s citizens. The crisis in the country has been ongoing for nearly 18 months, with half of the population requiring humanitarian aid and over 10 million individuals displaced.
Joyce Msuya, the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, called on Member States to exert all possible influence to end the crisis in Sudan. "We urge Member States to use all their leverage to bring the horrific violations of international humanitarian law and the abuses of human rights law to an end," she stressed.
Msuya also called on Member States to support initiatives aimed at increasing assistance through the crossing and to prolong vital support beyond the initial three-month timeframe without introducing new procedures that could hinder operations. "We need a concerted diplomatic push for a step change in humanitarian access, for the safe, streamlined and swift delivery of aid through all possible routes, both cross border and cross line, and for the facilitation of the day-to-day life-saving work of humanitarian organizations on the ground," she added.
The need for swift action was reinforced by US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who pointed out the urgent requirement for the warring sides to implement humanitarian pauses in El Fasher, Khartoum, and other vulnerable locations to permit the flow of aid and provide a safe exit for civilians. "And let me be clear that the RSF must immediately halt its deadly assault on El Fasher. But both parties are responsible. Both parties must eliminate barriers to humanitarian access along all routes," she emphasized.
In addition, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield revealed that the United States is providing an extra $424 million for emergency humanitarian efforts in Sudan and its neighboring countries. This funding is part of the total $2 billion donated by the US since the conflict began.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Sudan is facing unprecedented challenges. Half of its population requires humanitarian aid, and over 10 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes. Hunger is widespread, with 26 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, and famine conditions confirmed in northern Darfur. The conflict has also led to widespread violence, including reports of sexual violence and violations of human rights.
In a speech at the Ministerial side event in New York, African Union’s senior official Minata Samate Cessouma appealed to the parties in Sudan, stating, "there can be no winners in this war."
