UN relief coordinator calls for protection, end to impunity in Sudan
August 18, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – On the occasion marking World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations relief coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami has called for protection of civilians, aid workers and an end to impunity.
“As we mark the World Humanitarian Day today in Sudan, we appeal to all the parties to the conflict, member states, especially those with leverage visa-vis the conflict parties, and the wider international community to end attacks on civilians and take active steps to protect them – and the critical civilian infrastructure they rely on,” said Nkweta-Salami in a statement.
She added, “We also call on all parties to ensure the protection of all aid workers, including those working for local and national partners, and their premises and assets, facilitate their work, including opening up and guaranteeing safe and unhindered humanitarian access.”
At least 22 Sudanese aid workers have reportedly been killed while on duty and at least 34 aid workers have been wounded or injured during this period.
“Our fallen colleagues have been doing their utmost to help the most vulnerable people in need despite the risks and lost their lives. Aid workers are not a target, and these attacks must stop,” said the top UN official.
“Attacks against civilians, aid workers and civilian infrastructure are violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The perpetrators cannot go unpunished and should be held to account,” she added.
The conflict in Sudan has had devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, with over 75 per cent of health facilities in conflict-affected states non-functional.
According to reports, since April 2023, 88 attacks on health care, including on health facilities, ambulances and transport, assets, patients, and health workers have reportedly been verified resulting in at least 55 deaths and 104 injuries.
In addition, destruction of power, water and sanitation infrastructure in conflict areas has led to increased risk of diseases and contributed to famine risk.
“All parties to the conflict and all States must uphold their obligations and leverage their influence to ensure respect for the rules of war and minimize human suffering. Fulfilling these obligations requires immediate and decisive actions,” said the UN relief official, adding that “Turning a blind eye when humanitarian workers are targeted only emboldens those who seek to hinder their work.”
This impunity, according the senior UN official, only increases food insecurity, childhood malnutrition, involuntary displacement and the spread of infectious diseases and other threats.
“No matter what, we will continue to stay and deliver the lifesaving assistance to millions of most vulnerable people across Sudan, especially those already going through famine conditions and on the brink of it. The protection of civilians and aid workers as well as safe access must go hand in hand with upscaling humanitarian funding,” she stressed.
Concerns have been raised that with more than seven months into the year, the Sudan humanitarian appeal, seeking US$2.7 billion, is just 33 per cent funded. This is constraining and limiting the response efforts of the UN, international and national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on the ground, including in Darfur, Khartoum, Kordofan and other areas.
(ST)