The Geneva Council vehemently condemns the ongoing four-month conflict in Sudan that is wreaking havoc on the lives of its people and flagrantly violating their fundamental human rights.
Since the eruption of hostilities in Sudan four months ago, the situation has rapidly deteriorated, inflicting an unfathomable toll on the lives and well-being of innocent civilians. The Geneva Council expresses deep concern over the devastating consequences of this senseless war, driven by a reckless pursuit of power. The conflict has tragically resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of crucial infrastructure including family homes, schools, hospitals, and essential services, as well as mass displacement and instances of sexual violence that may amount to war crimes.
“The disastrous, senseless war in Sudan is an affront to humanity itself. It is a wanton drive for power that has led to immeasurable suffering and tragedy,” stated spokesperson for the Geneva Council. “The ongoing conflict is erasing the very fabric of Sudanese society, leaving countless individuals displaced, traumatized, and deprived of their basic human rights.”
The Geneva Council stands united with the international community in demanding an immediate end to the hostilities in Sudan. The toll on human lives and dignity is untenable, and the need for urgent action cannot be overstated. The council joins its voice with that of the United Nations in urging all parties involved in the conflict to cease fighting, prioritize the protection of civilians, and grant unimpeded access to humanitarian organizations striving to alleviate the dire circumstances faced by the Sudanese population.
Recent reports from the UN refugee agency UNHCR reveal the harrowing scope of the crisis, with over 4.3 million people forcibly displaced since the conflict’s outbreak. In addition, more than 900,000 refugees and asylum seekers have sought safety in neighboring countries, with South Sudanese nationals accounting for 195,000 of those displaced. This unprecedented displacement underscores the urgent need for immediate international intervention to prevent further human suffering.
The Geneva Council further highlights the critical healthcare crisis unfolding in Sudan. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that a staggering 67 percent of hospitals in the conflict-ridden areas are no longer operational, depriving tens of thousands of essential medical care. Attacks on healthcare facilities, as verified by the WHO, have led to tragic loss of life and a severe hindrance in managing outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, malaria, and dengue.
The plight of children in Sudan is of particular concern, with nearly one-third of those under five years old now facing chronic malnourishment. The Geneva Council emphasizes that the intersection of malnutrition and disease poses a dire and preventable threat to the youngest members of society.
Laila Baker, Regional Director for The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), underscores the heightened risks faced by women and adolescent girls in the conflict. With approximately 2.6 million females of reproductive age in dire need of humanitarian assistance, urgent action is paramount. The inability to access critical services, including safe delivery options, places the lives of countless women and their children in grave danger.
The Geneva Council echoes the United Nations’ alarm over the escalating threat of sexual violence. Credible reports have identified numerous instances of sexual violence against women and girls, including cases of rape. The Council calls for swift and decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure the unequivocal condemnation of such heinous acts.
In closing, the Geneva Council emphatically declares that the targeting of civilians, looting of humanitarian resources, and attacks on aid workers and medical facilities witnessed during the past four months may constitute grave breaches of international law, potentially amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Council calls upon the international community to unite in its commitment to ending this conflict and providing urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered people of Sudan.
