The United Nations Security Council is currently deliberating a British-drafted resolution that calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Sudan’s warring factions and demands unhindered deliveries of humanitarian aid across frontlines and borders.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 as a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to the world’s largest displacement crisis. The war, fueled by ethnic violence, has predominantly been blamed on the RSF, though they deny harming civilians and attribute the actions to rogue actors. Last week, the U.N. Security Council imposed its first sanctions during the ongoing conflict, designating two RSF generals.
“Nineteen months into the war, both sides are committing egregious human rights violations, including widespread rape of women and girls,” said Britain’s U.N. Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, at the start of the month. “More than half of Sudan’s population is facing severe food insecurity. Despite this, both the SAF and RSF remain focused on fighting each other rather than addressing the famine and suffering in their country.”
The U.K. is pressing for a swift vote on the draft resolution, which requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the U.S., France, Britain, Russia, or China to be adopted.
Humanitarian Crisis
The U.N. estimates that nearly 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—require aid, as famine has spread across displacement camps. Over 11 million people have been displaced, with nearly 3 million seeking refuge in other countries.
The British draft resolution “demands that the Rapid Support Forces immediately halt its offensives” and “calls for both warring parties to cease hostilities immediately.” It also urges the conflict parties to allow full, safe, rapid, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid throughout Sudan.
Additionally, the resolution stresses the importance of maintaining the Adre border crossing with Chad for aid delivery, as a three-month approval from Sudanese authorities for using the crossing expires in mid-November.
The Security Council has already adopted two resolutions related to Sudan this year: one in March calling for a ceasefire during Ramadan, and another in June demanding an end to the siege of a city in North Darfur. Both resolutions emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access and received 14 votes in favor, with Russia abstaining.
Source: Reuters
