UN Call to “Sudan Conflict Parties” to Ensure Protection of Humanitarian Workers

The United Nations has called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan, the international community, donors, and others to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and humanitarian workers and to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against them.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, stated, “Turning a blind eye to the targeting of humanitarian workers only encourages those who seek to obstruct their work.”

She added, “All parties to the conflict in Sudan and all states must fulfill their obligations and use their influence to ensure respect for the rules of war and reduce human suffering. Meeting these obligations requires immediate and decisive action.”

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that frontline humanitarian workers in global conflicts are being killed in unprecedented numbers.

It noted that with 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries last year, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for the global humanitarian community.

It added, “This outrageously high number represents a 137% increase compared to 2022 when 118 aid workers were killed.”