The United Arab Emirates expresses its deep concern regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the severe food insecurity affecting more than 25 million Sudanese citizens. It also expresses "grave concern following the announcement of famine in parts of North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam camp which hosts more than half a million displaced persons, and the potential for famine in the Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps, as well as in nine other Sudanese states where residents are living under catastrophic hunger levels."
In this regard, the UAE welcomes the meeting held by the Security Council today, which focused on the urgent need to address the famine situation in Sudan, emphasizing the importance of the international community continuing its focus on Sudan. The UAE reaffirms that "the humanitarian crisis in Sudan requires an urgent response that helps in securing a ceasefire and facilitating the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. Truckloads of life-saving humanitarian assistance are still stuck at the Sudanese borders while thousands are suffering from hunger in Zamzam camp and North Darfur. This requires the Sudanese Armed Forces to lift the restrictions imposed on accessing humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces should enable humanitarian organizations to carry out their work safely and without fear of attacks so they can reach those in need."
In this context, the UAE firmly condemns "the use of famine as a weapon of war. Denying civilians access to the humanitarian assistance they need and conducting indiscriminate attacks making it impossible for the population to seek help are clear violations of international humanitarian law." The UAE stresses "in this regard that the horrific developments occurring on the ground necessitate an urgent increase in the volume of humanitarian assistance delivered across borders and through conflict lines to save millions of lives. The international community cannot allow the Sudanese people to be used as a political bargaining chip."
The UAE also calls on the Security Council to use all available tools to address the catastrophic situation in Sudan, including considering granting relevant UN humanitarian agencies, if necessary, a mandate to reach those in need throughout Sudan, whether across conflict lines or through borders. This decisive action by the Council is essential for coordinating international efforts to bring necessary assistance from neighboring countries to halt this famine.
