UN urges parties in Sudan’s conflict to respect international law

April 19, 2023 (NEW YORK) – A spokesperson for the United Nations has reiterated calls for parties in Sudan’s conflict to respect international law.

“They are obliged to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of all United Nations and associated personnel as well as their premises, our assets, and trapped civilians must be able to receive assistance, access essential supplies and evacuate to safer zones as needed,” Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

He noted that the Secretary-General spoke with Kenya’s President William Ruto and the African Union Chairman, Moussa Faki to discuss the situation in Sudan.

“During that discussion, it was decided that the Secretary-General will attend a virtual meeting tomorrow on Sudan which is convened and bringing together the Chairperson of the African Union, the Secretary-General of the Arab League and also the Executive Secretary of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and other relevant organizations,” said Dujarric.

He added, “Obviously, today he will continue to be fully engaged, making phone calls, trying to secure a 24-hour ceasefire, which will enable a much needed reprieve to all affected civilians in Khartoum”.

Dujarric said the Secretary General’s representative in Sudan, Volker Perthes continues to engage with the parties, with key Sudanese leaders and member states in trying to secure an immediate de-escalation of the fighting and obviously working in concert with the Secretary-General on the 24-hour ceasefire.

“As you can well imagine the continued heavy fighting in Sudan is having devastating consequences for Sudanese civilians as well as our staff and other members of the international community who are caught in the crossfire,” he said.

Armed clashes between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on the morning of April 15 in heavily populated parts of the capital, Khartoum and spread to other cities, including the Darfur region.

The clashes follow weeks of rising tensions between the two forces over security force reform during negotiations for a new transitional government and was preceded by the SAF and RSF jointly overthrowing Sudan’s transitional government in October 2021.

More than 200 people have been killed and over 2000 injured in days of fighting in Sudan, the UN said.

(ST).