Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF, addressed the UN Security Council regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, emphasizing the ongoing violence and its catastrophic impact on civilians. He urged immediate action, criticizing the inaction and obstacles faced by humanitarian aid. Lockyear called for a new approach emphasizing civilian protection and the need for substantive support from the international community.
On September 26, 2023, Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), addressed the United Nations Security Council, urging immediate action regarding the ongoing war in Sudan. He highlighted the devastating impact of two years of continuous violence, which has resulted in millions being uprooted, tens of thousands of deaths, and an escalating famine. Lockyear emphasized the indifference faced by those suffering from this crisis and described the war as a direct assault on the civilian population.
Mr. Lockyear pointed out the failures of the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to protect civilians, stating their actions have significantly increased the suffering. The widespread bombing of populated areas by government forces and violent campaigns, including sexual violence and abductions by the Rapid Support Forces, exemplify this conflict’s brutality. Both factions have cut off towns from essential goods and services, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
During his briefing, Lockyear recounted his recent visit to Khartoum State, where he witnessed the catastrophic conditions at Al-Nao hospital in Omdurman, following attacks on local markets. The hospital was overwhelmed with severely injured patients, highlighting the urgent medical needs in the region. Other troubling incidents included bombings in South Darfur and severe conditions in Zamzam camp, where MSF had to suspend operations due to escalating violence.
The escalation of violence in West Darfur, marked by horrific community massacres, and rampant sexual violence against civilians has intensified the humanitarian crisis. In 2024 alone, MSF provided care to numerous survivors of sexual violence, with many victims being children. Lockyear reiterated that violence against civilians is central to how the war is conducted, aggravating the humanitarian needs across Sudan.
Despite MSF’s extensive medical programs across various states, conditions remain dire, with rising malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases due to ongoing violence. Lockyear identified bureaucratic hurdles and security challenges as significant barriers to humanitarian assistance, which appeared increasingly complex and intentionally obstructed. There were minor improvements in cross-border access, but they were insufficient compared to the escalating humanitarian demands.
Challenges such as securing travel permits and negotiations for aid access hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance. In areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, delays and unjustified fees further complicate aid delivery, jeopardizing humanitarian operations. Lockyear criticized the tactic of exploiting sovereignty as a means to restrict aid flow and emphasized that civilians remain unprotected and vulnerable.
Mr. Lockyear described the inadequacies of the current humanitarian response, which lacks initiative and fails to meet the urgent needs of the communities affected. Significant issues, such as unaddressed infrastructure problems that hinder aid distribution, persist. He urged the Council to move beyond mere calls for peace, advocating for decisive action to protect civilians and enhance humanitarian access.
Pointing out the inadequacies of the existing peace agreements, especially the Jeddah Declaration, he proposed the establishment of a new compact focused on civilian protection. This compact should ensure NGOs have unimpeded operational space, enforce a ban on restrictions regarding aid, and promote independence from political influences. Lockyear stressed that without robust monitoring and accountability, efforts would inevitably falter.
He concluded with a call for increased commitment from member states and the UN to address the humanitarian crisis. The looming rainy season and potential worsening of food insecurity underscore the urgency for immediate and effective intervention. Mr. Lockyear’s plea underlined that millions of lives depend on a fundamental shift from the ineffective approaches of the past.
Christopher Lockyear’s address highlights the urgent need for action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, emphasizing the severe impacts of a two-year conflict characterized by violence against civilians. He calls for an end to bureaucratic obstacles hindering humanitarian aid and advocates for a new compact focused on civilian protection and unimpeded aid delivery. The situation requires immediate attention from the international community to prevent further devastation, as millions of lives hang in the balance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
