Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF, briefed the UN Security Council on the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan due to two years of ongoing violence. He called the conflict a catastrophic ‘war on people’, emphasizing the increased suffering of civilians due to armed groups’ actions and obstructed aid efforts. Lockyear highlighted urgent actions needed to address the dire humanitarian situation and enhance the protection of civilians amid the turmoil.
On the date of this briefing, Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), addressed the United Nations Security Council, urging an immediate response to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He highlighted two years of violence resulting in millions uprooted, tens of thousands killed, and a tightening grip of famine. His passionate appeal emphasized the dire need for action against what he described as a catastrophic ‘war on people’.
Mr. Lockyear elaborated on the active role of the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces in exacerbating civilian suffering. He noted their indiscriminate bombing of populated areas, as well as an abhorrent campaign involving systematic sexual violence, mass killings, and the occupation of medical facilities. Both factions have laid sieges to towns and obstructed vital humanitarian aid, further damaging essential civilian infrastructure.
During his visit to Khartoum State, Mr. Lockyear witnessed the aftermath of violence first-hand at the MSF-supported Al-Nao hospital in Omdurman, which had just treated casualties from a shelling incident. The disturbing scenes of catastrophic injuries underscored the critical state of healthcare amidst ongoing violence. He also referred to assaults on other facilities, exacerbated by the bombing of civilian areas in South Darfur.
The intensity of violence has escalated, with West Darfur experiencing unprecedented massacres. Reports indicate that over 800 wounded individuals were treated by MSF in Chad, as thousands of Masalit civilians fled their homes. The plight of women and girls, especially victims of sexual violence, has become increasingly dire, with reports of assaults occurring in vulnerable situations at fields. Mr. Lockyear noted that this violence is an intrinsic part of the war, rather than a mere consequence of it.
MSF’s operations cover over 11 states with critical levels of severe malnutrition reported, pushing therapeutic feeding centers to their limits. Coupled with an uptick in vaccine-preventable diseases, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, driven by ongoing violence. Mr. Lockyear acknowledged limited advancements in humanitarian access, yet emphasized that these improvements are marginal compared to the overwhelming needs.
The complexity of delivering humanitarian assistance remains dire, as travel permits are challenging to obtain. Every attempt to deliver aid in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces is met with arbitrary delays, hefty fees, and bureaucratic hurdles. The callous exploitation of sovereignty to restrict aid proves detrimental to civilian welfare, which Mr. Lockyear condemned fervently.
The ineffective humanitarian response is evident, with prolonged negotiations yielding insufficient results. Mr. Lockyear highlighted the inadequate logistical support, as shown by an insufficient number of aid trucks reaching Darfur. He questioned why fundamental obstacles, such as a collapsed bridge crucial for aid access, are left unaddressed in the humanitarian operation framework.
The UN Security Council has repeatedly called for an end to violence and adherence to humanitarian law, yet these calls lack actionable impact. Mr. Lockyear conveyed that as civilians suffer from the conflict, the humanitarian response is constrained by bureaucratic inefficiencies, raising concerns over what may become the largest humanitarian aid divestment in history.
He urged the establishment of a new compact aimed at civilian protection, ensuring aid organizations can operate unimpeded by political barriers. Such an agreement requires robust monitoring and accountability to ensure compliance with humanitarian needs. He appealed for sustained engagement from donor countries and proactive involvement from the UN to address the deepening crisis in Sudan.
As critical seasons approach and resources dwindle, Mr. Lockyear declared that the urgency for a comprehensive pivot in humanitarian strategy is imperative, asserting that millions of lives hinge on immediate action and improved coordination amid the turmoil.
In conclusion, Christopher Lockyear’s briefing to the UN Security Council outlines a critical and urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan marked by unrelenting violence and suffering. He urges for immediate and effective responses to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. As violence continues to drive humanitarian needs, it is clear that a new approach is necessary to ensure the survival and dignity of the Sudanese population amid dire conditions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
