Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF, briefed the UN Security Council about the grave humanitarian crisis in Sudan, describing it as a “war on people.” He highlighted the violence against civilians, the urgent need for humanitarian aid, and the lack of accountability and resources hampering relief efforts. Lockyear emphasized the necessity for a strategic shift to prioritize civilian protection and facilitate aid delivery as conditions worsen.
Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), recently addressed the United Nations Security Council to emphasize the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan, asserting that the conflict represents a “war on people.” He lamented the indiscriminate attacks on civilians by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the violent acts perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias, which include systematic sexual violence, mass killings, and the destruction of medical facilities.
Lockyear highlighted that MSF operates in 11 states of Sudan, where alarming malnutrition rates and outbreaks of infectious diseases have become prevalent. With the rainy season approaching, he stressed the urgent need for food and medical aid to reach those affected by the war. He implored the Security Council to recognize the ongoing violence against civilians, which jeopardizes humanitarian efforts, calling for a renewed commitment to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.
Two years of persistent violence have resulted in widespread devastation, displacement, and loss of life. Lockyear noted that the international response to the crisis has been hindered by the actions of warring factions and the lack of accountability and resources. He criticized the slow humanitarian response as civilians face bombings, abductions, and deprivation of essential services.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Khartoum, Lockyear recounted the dire conditions at the MSF-supported Al-Nao Hospital in Omdurman, which had been overwhelmed with casualties following shelling. The ongoing brutality in the region was further exemplified by the Rapid Support Forces’ incursion into the Zamzam camp, which had been besieged for months, resulting in a wave of injured individuals seeking care.
The violence against specific communities, particularly in West Darfur, has escalated, leading to horrific massacres targeting civilians. Lockyear brought attention to the plight of women and girls who have faced sexual violence, revealing that many victims were assaulted while engaged in daily activities. MSF’s medical programs are stretched thin, dealing with critical levels of malnutrition and a surge in vaccine-preventable diseases.
Despite some minor improvements in aid access, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and deliberate delays remain prominent. Lockyear painted a bleak picture of the humanitarian logistics, where aid organizations must navigate complex and often unjustifiable restrictions imposed by the Rapid Support Forces.
He urged the UN Security Council to take meaningful action in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and not merely make statements. The Jeddah Declaration, which aims to protect civilians, was deemed insufficient without robust monitoring and accountability. Lockyear called for a new compact that prioritizes civilian protection, ensuring humanitarian aid remains free from political interference and operational constraints.
In closing, he reiterated that the rainy season is imminent, which will exacerbate the already dire food security situation. There is a pressing need for a fundamental shift in the humanitarian response to address the severe crisis affecting millions in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent commitment required by national and international leaders to protect those in need.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, characterized by widespread violence and the targeting of civilians, demands urgent action from the United Nations Security Council and the international community. Lockyear’s briefing highlights the need for a renewed commitment to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid amidst bureaucratic challenges and violent opposition from involved parties. The upcoming rainy season further complicates the situation, necessitating immediate and coordinated efforts to alleviate suffering and save lives.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
