FULL TEXT: UK statement at the UN Security Council: The risk of famine in Sudan is of extreme concern

NOTE, the UK and the US are permanent Members of the UN Security Council. The UK is the penholder on Sudan. The US is penholder on South Sudan, Sudan/South Sudan, Sudan sanctions and South Sudan sanctions. 

Here is a transcript of a speech delivered in the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan by UK Ambassador James Kariuki on 20 March 2024.

Speech

The risk of famine in Sudan is of extreme concern: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan 

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki

Published 20 March 2024

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 20 March 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, President. I thank Ms Wosornu, Mr Martina and Mr Skau for their briefing. We are grateful to OCHA, WFP and FAO for alerting the Council to this urgent crisis. And to Switzerland and Guyana for convening the Council so swiftly. I welcome the participation of the Representative of Sudan.

President, the risk of famine in Sudan, set out in OCHA’s White Note, is of extreme concern.  After a bad harvest, severe hunger will deepen, harming vulnerable people the most. Most of the fatalities will be children under five. We pay tribute to the UN, international and Sudanese humanitarian staff working in extreme conditions to alleviate this suffering.

I’ll make three points:

First, the White Note is clear that obstruction of humanitarian access by the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces is resulting in the starvation of the Sudanese people. Using starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited by international humanitarian law. 

The Sudanese authority’s decision to allow extremely limited humanitarian access from Chad is nowhere near enough to meet the soaring humanitarian needs, especially whilst crossline access remains completely blocked.

We call on the warring parties to urgently ensure and facilitate unimpeded access via all routes, both cross-border and crossline, including through the vital route at Adre.

Second, we need increased humanitarian funding.

The United Kingdom has provided over $54 million in humanitarian aid to the people of Sudan this financial year. And we are providing financial support to those fleeing to neighbouring countries.

We welcome the upcoming France, German and EU-hosted pledging event, and appeal to the international community to increase funding to avoid the horrific scenario of one million excess deaths in Sudan this year. 

But while funding is important, this man-made crisis ultimately requires a political solution.

So third, the fighting needs to stop. The world is witnessing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of a conflict that should never have begun.  

The failure of the SAF and RSF to implement a Ramadan ceasefire and immediately facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access in line with Council resolution 2724, is unacceptable. We call on both to stop fighting immediately and return to negotiations.

Given the clear warning of impending famine, it is imperative that the Council remains siezed of this issue and that we hold ourselves, and the warring parties, accountable for delivering the recommendations in the White Note.

Published 20 March 2024

View original: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-risk-of-famine-in-sudan-is-of-extreme-concern-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council

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The three guises of RSF terrorist group leader Hemeti

Report from Radio Dabanga website
Dated Thursday, 8 February 2024, 13:17 - here is a copy in full:

Sudan war: Hemedti laments human suffering amid daily RSF attrocities

The commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Lt Gen Mohamed ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, has issued an “urgent call to the international community on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan”. Hemedti’s appeal has been met with cynicism amid widespread daily reports of rape, assault, and theft by RSF militiamen, ‘wreaking havoc’ in Darfur and other parts of Sudan that fall under the militia’s control.

In a lengthy statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) today, Hemedti points out: “Sudanese civilians find themselves in dire circumstances, facing the real possibility of starvation. This situation necessitates prompt action from regional and international organisations and agencies to provide urgent relief”.

In his statement, the RSF commander asserts that the war in Sudan, that broke out in April last year, “[was] ignited by remnants of the former regime and their allies within the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).” He highlights that “the situation has deteriorated significantly, culminating in a famine in certain areas of the country”, and that “Sudanese civilians find themselves in dire circumstances, facing the real possibility of starvation.” He calls on “prompt action from regional and international organisations and agencies to provide urgent relief”.

"The three guises of  of RSF terrorist group leader Hemeti" 

Caption by Sudan Watch Editor 

Cartoon by Omar Dafallah / Radio Daganga

However, as previously reported by Radio Dabanga, mounting allegations from Sudan indicate that the RSF is part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Marauding members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly “wreaking havoc“ among civilians in parts of Sudan under the militia’s control. While individual incidents are often hard to verify, reports reaching Radio Dabanga show a clear pattern of widespread banditry, including murder, robbery, and sexual violence.

Humanitarian catastrophe

International aid organisations have long lamented the humanitarian catastrophe befalling Sudanese civilians, and a group of UN experts reported last week that “about 25 million people, including 14 million children, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan”.

In today’s post on X, Hemedti says that the RSF “reaffirm our steadfast commitment to working with all international partners to facilitate the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid in Sudan, ensuring the welfare and safety of affected populations and humanitarian workers.”

However, as a few respondents voiced support for the RSF, most reactions scorned Hemedti’s remarks. “You are the main reason for war. You should be sent to International Criminal Court immediately for all crimes in Sudan,” says ‘Shadia’. In another response, ‘Sogra’ says: “RSF (Janjaweed) are responsible for the suffering of the Sudanese people. RSF started a war against Sudanese people and their army. RSF (Janjaweed) soldiers and leaders are criminals.”

UN relief

Yesterday, the United Nations and its partners appealed for a combined $4.1 billion to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of civilians in war-torn Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.

A joint statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), pints out: “Ten months since the conflict erupted, half of Sudan’s population – some 25 million people – needs humanitarian assistance and protection. More than 1.5 million people have fled across Sudan’s borders to the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.”

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinates the response inside Sudan, with this year’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan calling for $2.7 billion to reach 14.7 million people. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, coordinates the Regional Refugee Response Plan, which requests $1.4 billion and targets nearly 2.7 million people in five countries neighbouring Sudan.

See the RSF commander Hemedti’s complete statement here.

See the joint OCHA and UNHCR statement here.

View original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/sudan-war-hemedti-laments-human-suffering-amid-daily-rsf-attrocities

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Sudan: Areas of immediate humanitarian concern are Al Fasher N Darfur, River Nile, Wad Medani Aj Jazirah

SUDAN 

Areas of immediate humanitarian concern

Flash Update No: 01, as of Monday, 18 December 2023 

Source: OCHA 

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Situation in Al Fasher, North Darfur State
On 16 December 2023, clashes renewed between SAF and RSF in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. As a result of the violence, the DTM reported three individuals were reportedly killed, and 10 others were injured. It was also reported that approximately 750 people have been displaced. Affected residents have been displaced from Abu Shock and Al Salam IDP camps to eastern neighborhoods within Al Fasher Town. Personal and commercial property was reportedly burnt and looted. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

Situation in River Nile State
On 17 December, the authorities in River Nile State issued a decision to close the Nile crossings and bridges at 22.00 hours to 06.00 hours. These include nightly closure of the Umm Al-Tuyour and Al-Bashir bridges which constitute Nile crossing points for movement between the River Nile State and the Northern and Khartoum states.

Following RSF’s attack and looting of the Sudanese Police Force Station at Umm Shadida, in Shendi locality there have been increased fears of possible assaults on Atbara or Ed Damer due to their strategic connection with the rest of Sudan including eastern Sudan and Northern State.

Situation in Wad Medani, Aj Jazirah State
For information regarding the situation in Wad Medani please refer to our latest flash update: Sudan: Clashes in Wad Madani between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - Flash Update No: 03 (as of 18 December 2023)

Background

After years of protracted crisis, Sudan plunged into a conflict of alarming scale in mid-April 2023 when fighting between SAF and RSF, broke out initially in the capital Khartoum on April 15, and quickly expanded to other areas across the country. Khartoum has been the site of heavy fighting, while severe violent clashes and heavy bombardments have also been reported in the greater Darfur and Kordofan regions. The hostilities have resulted in extensive damage to critical infrastructure and facilities, including water and healthcare, the collapse of banking and financial services, frequent interruptions to electricity supply and telecommunication services and widespread looting. Since the conflict broke out, humanitarian needs have increased and almost 25 million people now require assistance in Sudan. More than 6.7 million people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety elsewhere.

An estimated three million people live in North Darfur State. 2.7 people need humanitarian assistance. Since April 15, nearly 446,000 people are displaced in North Darfur with about 86 per cent displaced from within the State. 147,000 of those are in Al Fasher town. About 966,000 people are in crisis (IPC 3) and above levels of food security in the state with 335,000 in Al Fasher between October 2023 and February 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). There are ten humanitarian organizations working in the state, including one INGO and nine NNGOs. So far this year humanitarian organizations have reached 383,000 people in the State with food assistance, WASH, health and other humanitarian interventions.

An estimated two million people live in River Nile State, 636,000 people need humanitarian assistance. Since April 15, nearly 616,000 people fled to River Nile State, 94,000 of those are in Atbara. About 247,000 people are in crisis (IPC 3) and above levels of food security in the state with 27,000 in Atbara between October 2023 and February 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). There are 16 humanitarian organizations working in the state, including four INGOs, seven NNGOs and five UN agencies. So far this year humanitarian organizations have reached 201,000 people in the State with food assistance, WASH, health and other humanitarian interventions.
 
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For more information, please contact: Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications and Analysis, OCHA Sudan, karlsson2@un.org, Mob: +249 (0)912 174 456

Download the Flash Update here

Related Content

Sudan: Clashes in Wad Madani between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - Flash Update No: 03 (as of 18 December 2023)

View original: https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-areas-immediate-humanitarian-concern-flash-update-no-01-18-december-2023

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Sudan UN OCHA Humanitarian Update (7 Dec 2023)

Analysis from UN OCHA

Dated Thursday, 7 December 2023 - here is a copy in full:

 

SUDAN Humanitarian Update 7 December 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• 6.6 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

• More than 12,190 people have been killed since the fighting broke out in mid-April.

• Eighty children have been identified among the people detained by Rapid Support Forces in Ardamata, West Darfur State.

• The number of suspected cholera cases has more than doubled over the past month reaching 5,414 cases, including 170 associated deaths.

• Insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff on the ground have affected the delivery of humanitarian aid in many parts of the country.

• The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan appeal is only 38.6 per cent funded as of 7 December.

[SW Ed: to view a larger version visit the original and copy & paste the map]

Sudan Humanitarian Update (7 December 2023)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in mid-April, an estimated 6.6 million people have fled their homes, taking refuge inside and outside the country, with children representing about half of the people displaced. Sudan is now the country with the largest number of displaced people and the largest child displacement crisis in the world. ACLED estimates that more than 12,190 people have been killed since the fighting broke out in April, including 1,300 people who were killed between 28 October and 24 November. Compared to the previous four weeks, ACLED recorded a 10 per cent decrease in battles and a 38 per cent decrease in explosions and remote violence in Sudan.

According to the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM DTM) Sudan Monthly Displacement Overview (03), about 5.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan. People have been displaced in 5,473 locations across the country’s 18 states, an increase of 161 locations in one week. Overall, 47 per cent of the displaced people have sought refuge across the Darfur and Kordofan regions, whereas the majority (53 per cent) of the displaced people have been observed in the northern, eastern, and central states. Most of the people displaced, about 3.4 million (64.7 per cent of displaced), are from Khartoum and have sought shelter in River Nile, Aj Jazirah, White Nile, East Darfur, and Northern states. Most displaced people (64 per cent) live with host communities, while 12.7 per cent have taken refuge in schools and other public buildings. In addition, about 1.3 million people crossed into neighbouring countries since 15 April, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). People have crossed into neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Grave violations were reported against children detained by RSF in Ardamata

Eighty children have been identified among the people detained by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Ardamata, West Darfur, according to findings of a monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations against children. The actual number of child detainees could be higher, as multiple detention facilities exist within Ag Geneina. The ICRC is reportedly working to secure the release of these children. On 28 November, World Relief (WR) distributed mats and blankets to at least 80 children and is preparing for daily monitoring of the children. According to the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), over 700 people detained by RSF, many of whom are children, have yet to be released. The condition of the detainees is reported to be dire.

Suspected cholera cases have more than doubled over the past month

The number of suspected cholera cases has more than doubled over the past month and reached 5,414 cases, including 170 associated deaths as of 3 December, according to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and WHO Sudan Outbreaks Dashboard. There are 1,824 suspected cases of cholera and 48 associated deaths in Gedaref; 1,397 suspected cases and 23 associated deaths in Aj Jazirah; 794 suspected cases and 37 associated deaths in Red Sea; 463 suspected cases and 26 associated deaths in Khartoum; 453 suspected cases and 22 associated deaths in White Nile; 346 suspected cases and eight associated deaths in South Kordofan; 72 suspected cases and three associated deaths in Sennar; 63 suspected cases and three associated deaths in Kassala; and two suspected case in Blue Nile. The oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaign that started last week covers about 2.2 million people. The OCV campaign in Gedaref State targeted over 1.57 million people in 6 localities, of whom 97 per cent were reached. The OCV vaccination campaign in Aj Jazirah State targeted about 693,000 people in one locality, of whom 99 per cent were vaccinated.

Effect of conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces on civilians

In East Darfur, armed clashes erupted between SAF and RSF on 20 November in Ad Du'ayn Town of Ad Du'ayn locality, reports IOM DTM. The clashes were reported in the military headquarters and Al Matar, Al Guba, Al Arab, Khour Omer, and Al Zariba Al Jadeeda neighbourhoods. IOM field teams report widespread displacement across East Darfur. Preliminary information indicates that approximately 3,000 families (about 15,000 people) were displaced to Bahr Al Arab locality; 2,500 families (about 12,500 people) were displaced to Al Firdous locality; 2,700 families (13,500 people) were displaced to Assalaya locality; and 1,500 households (7,500 people) were displaced to Abu Jabrah locality. As a result of the violence, 30 people were reportedly killed, and 60 others were injured. The situation is tense and unpredictable.

In West Kordofan, clashes erupted between the SAF and RSF on 27 and 30 November in Babanusa town of Babanusa locality, reports IOM DTM. The clashes reportedly took place at the Military Headquarters, as well as in Abu Ismail and Al Nasr neighbourhoods of Babanusa town. DTM field teams report that many people were injured due to the clashes and widescale civilian displacement to Al Gantoor, Et Tibbun, Um Ash, and El Deilma villages in Babanusa locality and to Kigeira Al Idd, Burta, Suntaya, Shuaa, and Bagara villages in As Salam locality. The number of people displaced is yet to be confirmed. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

Effect of inter-communal conflict on civilians

In South Darfur, inter-communal clashes renewed between Salamat and Habaniya tribesmen on 22 November in Alsiwaina and Umm Kradees Villages of Buram locality, reports IOM DTM. This follows previous clashes between the two tribes within the same locality on 18 November 2023. As a result of the violence, 11 people were reportedly killed and about 9,400 people (1,880 families) were reportedly displaced to Buram Town. IOM field teams also received reports of the burning of personal property in the two villages. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

In North Darfur, inter-communal clashes erupted between Zagawah, Al Tanhur, and Al Burti, tribesmen against Abala tribesmen between 29 and 30 November in Sarafaya, Um Oshosh, and Hilat Khamis villages in Al Fasher locality, reports IOM DTM. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over access to land. As a result of the violence, one person was reportedly killed and about 2,000 people (400 families) were reportedly displaced to Jakho I village in the locality. IOM field teams also report that commercial properties and livestock were looted.

In South Kordofan, inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba Golfan and Arab Hawazma tribesmen on 28 November in Dilling town, Dilling locality, reports IOM DTM. Clashes took place in Al Tomat and Abu Zaid neighbourhoods. Preliminary reports indicate that 10 people have been killed, others injured, and about 400 people (75 families) have been displaced to Hadjerid Djawad village in Habila locality. IOM field teams also report the looting and burning of personal property in Al Tomat and Abu Zaid neighbourhoods. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

An array of challenges - insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff on the ground – have been affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance in many parts of the country. Fuel shortages also affect the movement of humanitarian staff and supplies and the generation of power needed for operations (maintaining cold chain storage, supplying water, etc). Despite all these challenges, humanitarian partners continue to provide life-saving assistance to the vulnerable people they can reach.

Since April 2023, UNHCR and its partners reached over 455,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) with protection, relief supplies, shelter and cash assistance in a challenging and complex operational environment. In 2023, UNHCR supported nearly 85,000 of the most vulnerable IDPs and members of the host community with cash support of some US$3.2 million. UNHCR implements multi-purpose cash assistance for protection and basic needs along with cash for shelter programmes benefitting displaced people and host communities living together. In addition, UNHCR, together with its partners, is piloting cash for economic empowerment initiatives. This three-tiered cash approach aims to improve social protection and to catalyze community-driven economic recovery. Prior to the conflict, UNHCR’s cash interventions were centred on Darfur, while after its start, UNHCR’s cash interventions also reached people in the east and the north of the country.

As the conflict is engulfing the country, fuelling mass displacement and severe risks to the protection of civilians, and exponentially increasing humanitarian needs, UNHCR urges the international community to focus attention on the Sudan situation and provide support to address this humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, between 15 April and 15 October 2023, 154 humanitarian partners reached about 4.5 million people across Sudan with life-saving assistance, according to the latest Humanitarian Response Dashboard. The number of people UN and humanitarian partners reached with lifesaving assistance increased by about 400,000 compared to the previous reporting period (15 April – 30 September 2023). About 444,500 more people were provided with access to healthcare services, emergency food and livelihood assistance during the first half of October. About 210,000 more people received emergency livelihood assistance. Nutrition sector partners reached an additional 72,000 people with assistance. About 35,600 more people received shelter and non-food supplies.

For more information on cluster-specific response see the latest Sudan Humanitarian Response Dashboard.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN FUNDING OVERVIEW

The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires US$2.6 billion to provide life-saving multi-cluster and protection assistance to 18.1 million people in desperate need through the end of this year. The appeal is only 38.6 per cent funded, with $989.3 million received as of 7 December, according to the Financial Tracking Service.

For previous humanitarian updates:

• Sudan Humanitarian Update (23 November 2023)
• Sudan Humanitarian Update (12 November 2023)
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 2 November 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 26 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 19 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 13 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 7 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 28 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 22 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 14 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 7 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 31 August 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 23 August 2023

Click here for the PDF

Original: https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/card/1sXP6WuoqJ/

People receive non-food item assistance Gedaref State | Credit: OCHA

[Source: See entire digital situation report for Sudan - English and Arabic]

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