In a recent development, the United Nations Security Council has issued a call for an immediate cessation of fighting in Sudan and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians caught in the conflict, ABC News reports.
The Security Council's appeal came after closed consultations among its members, highlighting the gravity of the situation on June 23. The council also called for the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighboring countries, support for humanitarian workers, and respect for international humanitarian law.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April, following a period of escalating tensions that eventually led to open hostilities between rival factions vying for control of the country. The opposing forces consist of the military, under the leadership of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.
A temporary three-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia, expired on June 21. Reports from a protest group and local residents indicate that clashes between the army and the paramilitary forces have resumed in and around the capital, Khartoum.
The violence has primarily impacted the capital and the Darfur region in western Sudan, where UN officials have documented ethnically motivated attacks by the Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated militias against non-Arab communities. The result has been a significant loss of life, with thousands of people killed, and the displacement of over 2.5mn individuals who have sought refuge in safer areas within Sudan and neighboring countries, as per the United Nations' migration agency.
Recognizing the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, the Security Council has not only called for an immediate halt to hostilities but has also stressed the importance of scaling up humanitarian assistance to Sudan and its neighboring nations. The council urges support for humanitarian workers on the ground and adherence to international humanitarian law.
On July 22, the United Nations highlighted the commendable efforts of 85 humanitarian organizations that have provided essential aid to 2.8mn people across Sudan during the initial two months of the conflict. These organizations have delivered crucial supplies, including food, water, healthcare, education, sanitation, hygiene items, non-food items, and protection services.
"Partners are delivering medical supplies and providing support to health facilities that are still operating. Between 15 April and 15 June, 19 organizations reached more than 470,000 people," U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.
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