MSF Briefs the UN Security Council on the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Christopher Lockyear of MSF briefed the UN Security Council on the humanitarian disaster in Sudan, characterizing it as a “war on people.” He called for an end to violence against civilians and more commitment to humanitarian aid. The conflict has resulted in severe malnutrition and health crises, necessitating immediate action and a fundamental shift in the international response.

On a recent occasion, Christopher Lockyear, the Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), provided a crucial briefing to the United Nations Security Council regarding the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He emphasized the urgent need to halt the violence against civilians and urged for a renewed commitment to delivering essential humanitarian aid.

Lockyear characterized the conflict in Sudan as a “war on people,” highlighting the indiscriminate bombings by the Sudanese Armed Forces targeting densely populated regions. He condemned the actions of the Rapid Support Forces and their allies, which include systematic sexual violence, abductions, and mass killings. Both groups have effectively besieged towns, undermined vital civilian infrastructure, and obstructed the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance.

MSF operates in 11 states within Sudan, providing medical care guided by humanitarian principles across both factions of the conflict. MSF reports troubling levels of malnutrition and rising infectious diseases in various areas. With the impending rainy season, there is an urgent necessity to deliver food and medical supplies to those affected.

Lockyear urged the Security Council to recognize the severe consequences of the ongoing war, warning that after almost two years, the international response remains inadequate due to the warring parties’ obstruction, combined with a lack of accountability and resources. He expressed concern that “civilians remain unseen, unprotected,” and that the humanitarian response is hindered by bureaucratic delays and insecurity.

He called for a decisive change in approach, urging a commitment to civilian protection and humanitarian relief. Lockyear stated, “The crisis in Sudan demands a fundamental shift away from the failed approaches of the past,” emphasizing that millions of lives are in the balance.

MSF highlights the catastrophic humanitarian situation and urges immediate action to address the needs arising from the conflict in Sudan. The continued violence not only dehumanizes individuals but also obstructs the basic necessities of life such as food and medical care, which are critical to preserving human dignity in this dire circumstance.

In summary, the briefing given by MSF’s Christopher Lockyear to the UN Security Council underscored the devastating humanitarian situation in Sudan, characterized by aggressive military actions against civilians and significant challenges in delivering essential aid. The ongoing conflict has led to immense suffering, underscoring the necessity for a significant shift in how the international community assists the affected populations. There is an urgent need for renewed commitments to protect civilians and to provide humanitarian assistance to mitigate the ongoing crisis.

Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.ca