Médecins Sans Frontières Secretary General Christopher Lockyear briefed the UN Security Council, urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He highlighted two years of unrelenting violence causing mass displacement and suffering, asserting that armed factions exacerbate civilian hardships. Lockyear detailed the alarming rise in malnutrition and access challenges faced by humanitarian organizations, calling for a reformed commitment to civilian protection and effective aid delivery.
Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), delivered a poignant briefing to the United Nations Security Council, urging immediate action regarding the protracted conflict in Sudan. The situation in Sudan has been marked by immense violence and suffering for two years, resulting in millions displaced and tens of thousands perished amid a looming famine. Lockyear criticized the inaction of the international community in the face of such tragedy.
Lockyear recounted the war’s impact, illustrating that the armed factions, specifically the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, are complicit in amplifying civilian suffering. These groups have engaged in indiscriminate bombings of populated areas, systematic sexual violence, and blockades of humanitarian aid, all while targeting the infrastructure essential for civilians. Such actions have made humanitarian assistance increasingly precarious as aid convoys face unprecedented obstacles.
During his visit to Khartoum, Lockyear witnessed firsthand the devastation; the Al-Nao hospital, a critical healthcare facility, overflowed with severely injured patients following recent shelling. Compounding these challenges, the hospital has been subject to multiple attacks in recent years, while civilians suffer from lack of access to necessary medical care. MSF has been overwhelmed trying to respond to the rising wave of casualties owing to ongoing assaults.
The briefing highlighted alarming data, specifically in West Darfur, where targeted massacres have emerged, driving thousands to flee. In South Darfur, incidents of sexual violence have intensified, affecting vulnerable populations dramatically, including children. Women and girls are particularly unprotected and disproportionately subjected to violence, illustrating the war’s grave implications.
As MSF operates in over 22 hospitals and 42 primary health facilities throughout Sudan, the prevalence of severe malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases has surged. Lockyear called attention to how the ongoing violence directly fuels humanitarian needs, underscoring that such crises are not merely byproducts of the war but are essential components of this devastating conflict.
Despite some minor improvements regarding access, such as facilitating humanitarian supplies through Adre and enhancing visa processing for international staff, these efforts pale against the overwhelming humanitarian crisis. Lockyear pointed out the complexities that hamper aid delivery, exacerbated by obstruction from the Rapid Support Forces, which impose burdensome regulations and delays.
The humanitarian response has not kept pace with the pressing needs of the Sudanese population, as logistical challenges remain unresolved. Lockyear emphasized that although the Security Council has consistently urged for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access, these calls have sadly failed to translate into substantive action, leaving civilians exposed to ongoing atrocities.
Envisioning a new approach, Lockyear advocated for a renewed commitment to civilian protection, outlining the necessity for a comprehensive framework that guarantees operational space for aid organizations and upholds humanitarian imperatives free from political interference. He stated that a strong monitoring and accountability mechanism is critical to addressing the failures of past agreements.
Lockyear concluded with an urgent plea for greater political will and collaboration from donor states, emphasizing the looming rainy season and the impending humanitarian crisis. He underscored the immediate need for a shift in strategy to safeguard millions of lives in peril due to continued inaction and ineffective response.
The briefing by Christopher Lockyear to the UN Security Council highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, marked by rampant violence, civilian suffering, and inadequate response mechanisms. His call to action stresses the responsibility of the international community to prioritize civilian protection and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. With a new commitment and coordinated efforts among donor states and humanitarian organizations, it is crucial to address the profound needs of the Sudanese people, especially as the situation continues to deteriorate.
Original Source: www.msf.org
