KEY POINTS
- The UN Security Council is deliberating on a British-led resolution to cease hostilities in Sudan.
- Sudan’s conflict has led to millions displaced and widespread human rights abuses.
- The draft resolution demands safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
The UN Security Council is considering a resolution calling for an end to hostilities in Sudan, view deployment of troop contributing nations for an immediate ceasefire and for unconditional free and unhampered humanitarian access across the Sudan’s borders and within the areas of conflict.
The draft, which was presented by Britain, addresses the severe situation in Sudan since April 2023, when a conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force – the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began the mass displacement and humanitarian crisis.
Conflict’s escalating impact
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF initially aimed to control the country amid a planned transition to civilian rule.
However, the fighting has intensified, leading to ethnically motivated violence largely attributed to the RSF, though the group denies these accusations. Recently, the UN imposed sanctions on two RSF generals, marking the first sanctions of this conflict.
The United Nations reported that both sides have committed severe human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence. UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward underscored the crisis, saying over half of Sudan’s population faces extreme food insecurity. Instead of addressing these needs, she highlighted, Sudan’s armed factions continue their violent clashes.
Humanitarian needs and international response
With nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan’s population, requiring urgent aid, and approximately 11 million displaced, the draft resolution demands that the RSF halt its offensives and calls for a ceasefire. The document urges conflict parties to ensure “safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access” into and throughout Sudan.
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Adre border crossing with Chad for aid deliveries to Darfur, with current permissions set to expire soon.
According to Reuters, the Security Council previously called for temporary halts to violence, but the ongoing crisis demands more sustained action.
The proposal will require at least nine votes from Security Council members to pass without a veto from any of the five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the U.K., and the U.S.
International pressure mounts for humanitarian efforts
In Sudan there have been two previous Security Council resolutions that recommended a temporary suspension of hostilities during the holy fasting month of Ramadan and with a view to reducing tension in North Darfur.
Both measures also focused intense significance to unconditional humanitarian access, however the situation in the Sudan continues to be disgusting, and despite some developments, new warfare does not afford civilians any reprieve.
If this draft succeeds, it may represent one of the biggest shifts that the international community has made yet to bring more protection to the civilians’ needs and secure more relief supplies to tackle one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.
