Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF, addressed the UN Security Council, urging immediate action to respond to the two-year violent conflict in Sudan. He described the intense humanitarian crisis, marked by mass displacements, deaths, and starvation, as a systematic assault on civilians. Lockyear advocated for a new compact prioritizing civilian protection and support for humanitarian access, emphasizing the need for enhanced funding and political commitment from the international community.
Christopher Lockyear, the Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), provided a crucial briefing to the United Nations Security Council, stating the urgent need for a response to the ongoing war in Sudan. He emphasized the devastating impact of two years of relentless violence, which has led to mass displacements, an overwhelming loss of life, and a tightening famine, resulting in widespread suffering coupled with international indifference.
Mr. Lockyear articulated that the conflict in Sudan constitutes a war on its people. Perpetrators, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), are failing to safeguard civilians, instead exacerbating their hardships. He described horrific actions, such as indiscriminate bombings, systematic sexual violence, and the obstruction of humanitarian efforts by both warring factions.
In his first-hand account, Mr. Lockyear recounted his visit to Al-Nao hospital in Omdurman, where patients suffered catastrophic injuries from RSF shelling. This hospital, one of the few operational facilities in the area, faced bomb threats, overwhelming it with casualties. Furthermore, SAF bombings in South Darfur and the RSF’s attacks on the Zamzam camp underscore the alarming escalation of violence against civilians.
The violence has led to horrific incidents, particularly in West Darfur, where entire communities were massacred. MSF teams in Chad treated a large number of wounded individuals fleeing El Geneina. Additionally, in South Darfur, reports revealed 385 survivors of sexual violence, predominantly targeting women and children while they engaged in daily activities.
Operationally, MSF is conducting medical help in 22 hospitals and 42 primary care facilities across Sudan, facing critical levels of malnutrition and surging vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite some marginal progress in humanitarian access, such as improved visa processing, the overall delivery of aid remains challenging and, at times, deliberately obstructed, leaving many people without essential support.
Travel permits, fluctuating negotiations, and the imposition of unjustifiable levies on aid convoys complicate the flow of humanitarian assistance. Mr. Lockyear outlined the exorbitant costs and bureaucratic obstacles enforced by the RSF, hindering operational efficacy and placing lifesaving resources in jeopardy.
He criticized the inadequate humanitarian response, calling for a dramatic reevaluation of strategies as existing systems have led to severe delays in aid delivery. For instance, despite emergency supply routes being operational, the number of trucks reaching Darfur remains woefully insufficient to meet dire nutrition needs in regions like Zamzam.
Despite previous Council resolutions advocating for the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access, Mr. Lockyear lamented that words have not translated into substantial action, resulting in continued insecurity and deprivation for the people of Sudan.
He proposed a new compact focused on civilian protection and the unimpeded delivery of assistance. This requires collaboration and political commitment from all parties involved, alongside robust mechanisms to ensure accountability. Moreover, he urged donor nations and the UN to prioritize and increase funding for humanitarian efforts, particularly as the impending rainy season threatens to exacerbate the crisis further.
The dire humanitarian circumstances in Sudan prompt an urgent call for profound change to existing strategies regarding civilian protection and the delivery of aid. The challenges faced by humanitarian organizations highlight the necessity of transforming current bureaucratic systems in order to support those affected by the violence. A unified commitment and bolstered international support are essential to alleviate the impending humanitarian disaster in Sudan and safeguard the lives of millions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
