A3+ Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing on Sudan (2715)
Mr. President
I am delivering this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana.
The A3+ members wishes to thank ASG Pobee, and Ms. Wosornu, for their valuable insights. The A3+ listened carefully to the Presentation made by Mrs Limiaa Ahmed, Senior Program Director of Sudan Family Planning Association. We also welcome the participation of the Representative of Sudan in this meeting.
Mr. President
Just last week, while this Council considered the situation in El Fasher, the A3+ expressed its strong concern about the intensification of fighting in Sudan. The conflict has created a critical and dire humanitarian crisis and caused increased civilian casualties, the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure and widespread displacement.
The blatant disregard for the safety of civilians must end. The A3+ supported the adoption of resolution 2734 (2024) on the situation in El Fasher with the conviction that the Council has to react swiftly to the alarming situation on the ground.
We call on the parties to commit to a cessation of hostilities and to lay foundations for a sustainable solution to the conflict, with the continued support of the international community.
Unfortunately, all reports indicate that civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict, particularly women, children and the elderly, despite multiple calls for their protection.
Excellencies, the eighth report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Sudan highlights the shocking increase in grave violations against children since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023. The A3+ remains concerned about the recruitment and use of children, and the killing, maiming and commission of sexual violence and attacks on schools and hospitals.
Today, we reiterate our demand for the warring parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law and ensure adequate protection for civilians in Sudan.
We have witnessed the efforts of the humanitarian agencies to provide support to the Sudanese people, including those internally displaced or seeking asylum around the region. These efforts require the support of the international community as well as all parties to the conflict. It must also involve ensuring safe and unhindered access to all those in need, crossline and cross-border aid delivery, protection and the sustained facilitation of administrative requirements to assist the most vulnerable.
As the conflict wages on, and in the absence of a UN Mission on the ground, we underscore the need for continued monitoring and reporting on human rights violations and on protection matters.
For the A3+, ending this devastating conflict depends on the commitment of the involved parties. We encourage them to put the interest of Sudanese people first. All mediation efforts, particularly the Jeddah talks and initiatives being led by Personal Envoy Lamamra and the AU High Level Panel, will continue to receive the full support of the A3+.
Mr. President
The A3+ emphasizes the critical role of the international community, regional organizations and this Council, in supporting Sudan to achieve sustainable peace.
In this regard, The A3+ calls on the international community and donor partners to urgently scale up humanitarian assistance and funding as well as honour recent pledges to avert the imminent risk of famine. It is deeply worrying that the Humanitarian Response Plan remains only 16.3% funded, and we call for this situation to be addressed with urgency.
We reiterate our call to those external parties fueling the conflict, whether through the supply of arms and ammunition, recruitment, financing or any other means- to stop immediately.
To conclude, Mr. President, the A3+ calls for strong solidarity with the people of Sudan, sustained commitment by this Council to the stability, sovereignty and prosperity of the Sudan.
Peace must prevail in Sudan as an urgent imperative and should be prioritized.
I thank you, Mr. President.
