Statement on hostilities and attacks against civilians in Sudan

I am deeply concerned about the sharp increase in civilian deaths caused by intensified conflict in Sudan. I am also shocked by reports of indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Any such attacks must stop immediately.

The conflict has caused unparallelled human suffering. This suffering is exacerbated because humanitarian assistance is impeded from reaching those in need.  Women and children are particularly vulnerable in the current conditions.

In Darfur, where a famine is currently unfolding, it has not been possible to get sufficient food assistance and other necessities into the areas where people are starving. Unimpeded access for humanitarian aid has been challenging throughout the conflict, but additional restrictions recently imposed by the Rapid Support Forces and its affiliate, SARHO, has made it near impossible to reach people in desperate need of assistance.

I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are obliged by international humanitarian law to protect civilians and to facilitate humanitarian access. I call upon both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to honor their commitments in the Jeddah declaration, and to immediately remove the restrictions which impede aid to reach Sudanese civilians in need. Deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure, as reported, is aggravating the crisis and making recovery more difficult.

There is no military solution to this conflict. Norway’s position is consistent and clear: hostilities must end immediately. Sudan’s civilian population and their protection cannot wait. The only way to achieve a sustainable peace is through a representative and inclusive Sudanese owned and led process built on democratic principles and unity of the state. While there are many initiatives that aim at restoring a civilian government that can lead Sudan through a new transition period, there is a need for better coordination.

Norway is a long-standing friend of the Sudanese people. We share their aspirations for freedom, peace and justice.

Kilde: Statement on hostilities and attacks against civilians in Sudan – regjeringen.no