MSF Calls for Urgent Action on Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Christopher Lockyear, MSF Secretary General, addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan due to ongoing violence. He described the conflict as a ‘war on people’ with severe impacts including displacement and famine. Lockyear urged for immediate action and a new humanitarian compact to ensure civilian protection and effective aid delivery amidst the ongoing crisis.

Christopher Lockyear, the Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), addressed the United Nations Security Council today concerning the dire situation in Sudan, urging immediate action. He described two years marked by relentless violence, leading to mass displacement, significant fatalities, and increasing famine. The ongoing conflict manifests as a “war on people,” exacerbating civilian suffering and demonstrating a two-year trend of international indifference and inaction.

The Secretary General highlighted the brutal actions of both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, who have expanded civilian suffering instead of protecting them. He reported that both groups are responsible for indiscriminate bombings, sexual violence, abductions, mass killings, and have inhibited vital humanitarian aid. The sieges imposed on towns, destruction of infrastructure, and obstruction of aid deliveries serve to intensify the humanitarian crisis.

During his firsthand observations in Khartoum State, Mr. Lockyear recounted his experience at the Al-Nao hospital amid the chaos of ongoing attacks. He illustrated the catastrophic results of violence on civilian life, as emergency rooms faced overwhelming injuries and shortages of medical care. Certain hospitals sustaining operational capabilities, like Al-Nao, continue to endure repeated assaults, witnessing a trajectory towards ever-greater devastation.

The Secretary General detailed the urgency of the humanitarian response, noting that MSF operates 22 hospitals and numerous health facilities across the country, combating severe malnutrition and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite some minor access improvements for humanitarian operations, the demand for aid far exceeds the current delivery capacity. Efforts to provide assistance remain hampered by bureaucratic barriers and security risks.

MSF’s operations face profound challenges due to imposed travel restrictions and unreasonably high costs for transporting aid within Sudan. The inefficient negligence of authorities, including the Rapid Support Forces, threatens the lives of many in desperate need. Access obstacles further limit the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide necessary support effectively, with civilians suffering the ramifications of these systemic failures.

Mr. Lockyear criticized the inadequate response measures which have proven insufficient against the scale of the crisis. The humanitarian systems appear trapped in bureaucratic procedures rather than responsive action. He cited examples of delayed aid crossings and damaged infrastructure that continue to hinder relief efforts, calling for immediate attention to critical humanitarian needs.

The Secretary General underscored the Council’s failure to enforce resolutions calling for civilian protection and unhindered aid delivery, expressing concern that their repeated pleas remain unaddressed. This stagnation has heightened feelings of abandonment among the Sudanese people who remain vulnerable to violence and deprivation.

Frustration regarding the lack of meaningful action spurred Mr. Lockyear to propose a new humanitarian compact focused on civilian protection. He urged the establishment of a framework ensuring aid organizations can operate independently and without political interference while rebuilding accountability measures. The need for a significant increase in resources and proactive engagement from the UN was also emphasized as crucial for effecting real change.

With the rainy season approaching and the hunger crisis worsening, Mr. Lockyear called for a departure from previous ineffective strategies. He warned that millions of lives hang in the balance and immediate action is paramount to address the dire humanitarian needs in Sudan.

In conclusion, the situation in Sudan, as outlined by Christopher Lockyear of Médecins Sans Frontières, requires urgent intervention from the United Nations Security Council. The ongoing conflict is producing catastrophic humanitarian results, typified by violence against civilians and systemic failures in aid delivery. Mr. Lockyear’s appeal for a new approach to humanitarian efforts underscores the need for both accountability and increased resources to address the crisis effectively. Without decisive action, the looming humanitarian catastrophe threatens to exacerbate the suffering of millions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int