Khaberni - 24 European and Western countries expressed their concerns about the ongoing killing of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and targeting of humanitarian missions in Sudan, urging the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces to cease fighting.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, they pointed out that airstrikes and drone attacks on displaced people, healthcare facilities, and food convoys have caused a large number of civilian casualties and injuries, and have impeded the delivery of humanitarian aid.
They stated that deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers or their vehicles constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes. They emphasized the need for a swift and independent investigation into the violations, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Famine and Sexual Violence
The statement confirmed that the states of Darfur (west) and Kordofan (southwest) are witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, pointing to the occurrence of famine and sexual violence, in addition to the displacement of 100,000 people in recent months in Kordofan alone.
It called on the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army to respect international humanitarian law, allow rapid and safe access to food, medicine, and essential supplies to civilians, particularly protect women and girls, and ensure safe passage for the displaced.
In related news, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Wednesday, expressed his concern about reports of more than 50 civilians killed in airstrikes by drones in Sudan on the past Sunday and Monday.
Turk called on all parties to cease ongoing attacks, stressing the necessity of taking urgent measures to protect civilians, including "refraining from using civilians for military purposes".
UN Assistance
On the other hand, the World Food Programme, affiliated with the United Nations, announced on Wednesday that a convoy of 26 trucks had reached the cities of Delling and Kadugli in South Kordofan state in southern Sudan, supporting more than 130,000 people.
The programme indicated that its aid within the convoy included more than 700 tons of food items to support about 70,000 people, including 21,000 mothers and children to prevent malnutrition.
This is the first large batch of aid to reach the residents of Delling and Kadugli, cities that have suffered a two-year siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces and allied groups before being penetrated by the Sudanese army.
Fierce battles are ongoing between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 11 million people in the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.
While discussions on a humanitarian ceasefire remain stalled, the United Nations has repeatedly called on the conflicting parties to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate access for humanitarian workers.
