Christopher Lockyear of MSF addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He condemned the violence targeting civilians by armed forces and called for urgent international action to protect lives and facilitate aid. The ongoing conflict has led to rampant malnutrition and disease, exacerbated by bureaucratic obstacles to humanitarian access. Lockyear stressed the urgent need for accountability and a new commitment to civilian protection as the rainy season approaches.
On October 24, 2023, Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), addressed the United Nations Security Council regarding the humanitarian disaster in Sudan. He emphasized the necessity of halting violence against civilians and urged for a renewed commitment to deliver lifesaving aid amidst ongoing conflicts. The war is characterized as a blatant assault on the people, with various armed groups perpetrating acts against innocent civilians.
Lockyear asserted that the Sudanese Armed Forces have indiscriminately bombed populated areas while the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias have enforced a brutal campaign of violence, featuring sexual assaults and abductions. He highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation, where sieges on towns have resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and obstruction of essential aid.
MSF operates in 11 states within Sudan, delivering necessary medical care guided by humanitarian principles. Alarmingly high rates of malnutrition and outbreaks of preventable diseases have been reported. As the rainy season approaches, Lockyear reiterated the urgent need for food and medical supplies for those affected in conflict-impacted regions.
He expressed concern about the international community’s inadequate response to the crisis, citing that obstructions from warring parties combined with a lack of accountability and resources have hindered relief efforts. He urged for a robust commitment to protecting civilians and fulfilling humanitarian requirements, as current efforts are faltering.
Lockyear also recounted a recent visit to a hospital that showed the horrific consequences of ongoing violence, including incidents of catastrophic injuries from bombings. He emphasized that the scale of suffering in Sudan has reached unprecedented levels, calling for measures to protect those most vulnerable.
As the violence continues unabated, the humanitarian needs escalate, fundamentally driven by the conflict. Lockyear addressed the restricted access for aid organizations due to both systematic bureaucratic challenges and the outright denial of access by armed groups.
While there have been some improvements in access to certain areas, these changes are minimal compared to the overwhelming needs of the population. The ongoing bureaucratic complexities and restrictions are further complicating the humanitarian response, endangering vital assistance for millions.
The humanitarian system is currently bogged down by operational difficulties amidst calls for action from the UN Council which seem to yield little improvement for those affected. Lockyear criticized the ineffectiveness of the Jeddah Declaration and called for a new compact to ensure the protection of civilians, independent humanitarian response, and accountability for the warring factions.
In summary, he urged that current efforts must be transformed and strengthened before the impending rainy season exacerbates the crisis. The future of many lives in Sudan depends on immediate and concerted actions to address these dire humanitarian challenges.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan is critical and continues to deteriorate amidst widespread violence and humanitarian obstruction. Christopher Lockyear’s address underscores the urgent need for an enhanced response and accountability in protecting civilians. Lives are increasingly at risk, and there is a pressing requirement for coordinated efforts from the international community to provide necessary aid and support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. Without substantial changes and commitments, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will escalate, further impacting millions of vulnerable individuals.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
