A coalition of states and organizations committed to saving lives and promoting peace in Sudan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including rising numbers of people suffering from severe malnutrition and famine, and multiple access barriers delaying aid delivery in key regions.
The joint statement, representing Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the UAE, the USA, the African Union, and the UN, stressed that civilians bear the heaviest burden of the conflict. It urged parties to the conflict to take urgent measures to protect civilians.
The statement emphasized the importance of unhindered humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan, signed in May 2023. It called on warring parties to remove bureaucratic obstacles to humanitarian activities, maintain open main supply routes for convoys and aid workers, and implement temporary humanitarian ceasefires or other arrangements as needed.
Recommendations included extending the Adré crossing long-term, agreements for sustainable use of main roads across frontline areas to Darfur and Kordofan, and opening additional crossings from South Sudan.
The statement underscored the need for safe and secure humanitarian operations throughout Sudan, ensuring civilians can access aid and services without fear of reprisals, particularly in areas under control of different parties. It highlighted restoring communications, protecting critical infrastructure (energy, water, health), and taking measures to calm tensions to facilitate humanitarian access in North Darfur and Kordofan.
The coalition urged adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, facilities, and assets, and unimpeded delivery of aid to all in need.
