Human Lives Human Rights: For a horrifying span of four months, the population of Sudan has been trapped in the grip of a destructive conflict that is decimating their lives and homeland, while also violating their fundamental human rights.
During this period, individuals have borne witness to the tragic loss of their loved ones due to fatal shootings. Women and girls have been subjected to deeply distressing incidents of sexual assault.
Families have endured the heartbreak of their possessions being plundered and their homes reduced to ashes. The lack of access to essential healthcare and medication has led to unnecessary deaths.
Tragically, the conflict has now resulted in a dire situation where the children of Sudan are suffering from malnutrition and hunger due to the scarcity of food.
With each passing day that the violence persists, the Sudanese people are being robbed of the tranquility they hold dear, their rightful lives, and the promising future they deserve.
The time for action has arrived.
After a distressing span of four months, global leaders representing humanitarian organizations operating within Sudan are conveying three critical messages:
To the people of Sudan: The worldwide humanitarian community is unwavering in its commitment to stand by your side. Especially through the efforts of local responders who have been at the forefront, we will strive to provide necessities such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and protection to those in dire need from the very beginning. We will continue advocating for unrestricted access to all individuals across Sudan, ensuring the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and services.
To the conflicting parties: The call is resounding – cease the hostilities. Safeguard the civilian population. Allow us secure and unimpeded passage. Eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. It is essential to understand that acts like targeting civilians, looting humanitarian supplies, attacking aid workers, as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure including healthcare facilities, are violations of both International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. These actions could potentially be classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
To the global community: There is no justification for delay. Over six million Sudanese people are teetering on the brink of famine. More than 14 million children are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. With over four million people displaced within the nation and as refugees in neighboring regions, the urgency cannot be overstated. Time is rapidly running out for farmers to plant crops that would secure sustenance for them and their communities. Medical supplies are alarmingly scarce, and the overall situation is escalating out of control. Our appeals for humanitarian aid have the potential to reach approximately 19 million individuals in Sudan and neighboring countries. Regrettably, the current funding for these appeals falls short, at less than 27 percent.
The time has come for a fundamental reset. We are issuing an impassioned plea for an immediate halt to hostilities. The people of Sudan desperately require peace and equal access to essential humanitarian support. The global community must step forward today, engage at all levels, and take decisive action to redirect Sudan towards recovery and bring an end to the prevailing conflict.
