UN official blames inaction for Sudan's worsening humanitarian crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening because of "a lack of action" by the international community, a United Nations leader told the UN Security Council on Monday. Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that "more than two-thirds of the people of Sudan are in desperate need of lifesaving support" as the civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, continues.
Fletcher detailed the challenges aid workers face, saying, "Across Sudan, our teams navigate frontlines, drone attacks, insecurity, and bureaucratic red tape." He called for the protection of civilians and de-escalation, stressing that "humanitarians are seizing every opportunity to reach those in need."
Fletcher's criticism of international response
In his address, Fletcher departed from his usual briefing format. "I usually end these briefings with three asks: Uphold international humanitarian law, fund the response, and help end the conflict. But today I won't because this council has heard those asks again and again," he said. "Instead, the ask is that we not have another meeting where the council simply describes the problem."
He was blunt about the root cause: "Sudan does not suffer from a lack of analysis. It suffers from a lack of action. The people of Sudan need food, water, and medicine. Yet the world sends drones, weapons, and mercenaries. The people of Sudan need sustained, courageous diplomacy. Yet the world is too often indifferent and distracted. The people of Sudan need peace and dignity. Yet others use Sudan's land and people as pieces in a regional struggle for power, gold, and pride."
Fletcher insisted that "this council is not powerless" and that "the international community is not powerless." He concluded, "The tragedy of Sudan is not that we do not know what to do. It is that we have not yet found the will to do it."
Grim picture from UN political chief
Fletcher also pointed to remarks made to the Security Council by Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for political affairs. DiCarlo reported brutal mass killings, atrocities, abductions of women and girls, and mass rapes in Sudan. She said the true death toll is likely in the hundreds of thousands, though with 13 million people displaced, exact numbers are hard to tally.
Darfur arms embargo and US proposal
The Darfur arms embargo is set to expire in less than three weeks. US envoy Massad Boulos has called for broadening the embargo to cover all of Sudan. A US draft resolution includes expanding the arms embargo to the entire country, applying it to all armed parties, covering drones, and strengthening surveillance. The draft resolution would also increase the number of experts on the 1591 panel, which monitors sanctions.
Russia has warned against new measures that would affect the Sudanese army.
Drone strikes and civilian toll
The UN has reported that about 1,400 civilians were killed in Sudan in the first half of this year, including more than 1,100 in drone strikes. Armed drones have taken the lives of more than 1,120 Sudanese civilians in that period. Drone attacks have targeted markets, fuel stations, and critical power and water infrastructure in El Obeid. Fighting has driven 15,000 families into El Obeid since mid-July, and air strikes were reported south-west of the city over the past 72 hours.
Aid agencies reached nearly 11 million people with assistance by the end of June, but funding for aid operations has fallen far short of what is required.