Today, the United Nations Security Council convened an open briefing on the situation in Sudan. Slovenia strongly supported Secretary-General’s plea for a ceasefire during Ramadan and called on all parties to the conflict to commit to a ceasefire.

Today’s briefing was based on the Secretary General’s report submitted in accordance with the Council’s Resolution 2715 that ended the mandate of the UN political mission in Sudan UNITAMS. The termination of UNITAMS and winding down of its operations followed a request from Sudanese authorities amid the ongoing devastating conflict. The fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted last April.

“Nearly a year into the ongoing conflict in Sudan, civilians continue to bear the greatest burden. The cost of conflict is already immense. The longer hostilities persist the more challenging recovery and reconciliation become,” underscored Ambassador Samuel Žbogar in the Security Council Chamber.

He stressed the need for both parties to the conflict to silence their guns, commit to a ceasefire and return to an inclusive political process with meaningful participation of women. “All parties must prioritize dialogue over conflict. We strongly support the Secretary-General’s plea today for a ceasefire during Ramadan,” added the Ambassador. He also called on all parties to the conflict to fully respect international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

The humanitarian crisis following the conflict has reached alarming proportions. More than 8 million people had to flee from their homes, making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world. More than 14.000 people had been killed and at least 25 million people are facing food insecurity. The World Food Program has warned that “the war in Sudan threatens to trigger the world’s largest hunger crisis.”

“Humanitarian operations must be guaranteed rapid, safe, and unimpeded access across borders and across conflict lines. We welcome the much needed step by Sudanese authorities to partially re-authorised cross-border delivery through several cross-border crossings and additional humanitarian flights for aid,” highlighted Ambassador Žbogar.

He condemned in the strongest possible terms all violence against civilians, sexual violence, the recruitment of children and other grave violations committed against children, and attacks on UN personnel and humanitarian workers.

Slovenia welcomes UN Secretary-General’s appointment of Ramtane Lamamra as his Personal Envoy on Sudan and remains committed to alleviate human suffering of the Sudanese people.

The full statement is available here.

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