28 Countries Issue a Joint Statement on Sudan

The United Kingdom and its international partners issued a joint ministerial statement expressing their deep concern over the continued unlawful and deadly attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and humanitarian operations in the states of Kordofan and Darfur.

The statement condemned the sharp escalation in airstrikes and the use of drones targeting displaced persons, health facilities, and food convoys, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries and the destruction of vital humanitarian supplies belonging to the World Food Programme.

Rapid Support Forces Violations and International Warnings

The statement emphasized that deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers and the obstruction of aid delivery constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes. The statement referenced warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, regarding violations and abuses committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias in El Fasher. He cautioned against a repeat of similar scenarios in the Kordofan region, which recently witnessed the displacement of 100,000 people due to escalating violence.

Calls for a Cessation of Fighting and Justice

The signatory states, numbering more than 28 countries and international organizations, called on the Sudanese Armed Forces, the RSF, and allied militias to immediately cease hostilities to ensure the protection of women and children from sexual and gender-based violence.

The statement emphasized the need for impartial investigations into the serious violations and for bringing those responsible to international justice. It also stressed the importance of establishing safe corridors and facilitating access to medicine and food for affected areas suffering from famine and severe hunger.