Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s representative to the United Nations Security Council, has called on the parties involved in the Sudanese conflict to ensure the protection of civilian lives. She emphasized the urgent need to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and facilitate its delivery to prevent widespread starvation among Sudanese civilians.
Woodward’s appeal comes amid escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in the city of El Fasher, which has raised concerns about increasing civilian suffering. Martha Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, expressed deep concern at the beginning of the Security Council session on Sudanese conflicts, warning that the fighting in El Fasher could exacerbate civilian hardships.
Pobee highlighted that Sudan is at risk of descending into further violence and fragmentation without swift intervention. She stressed the necessity of a ceasefire in El Fasher to prevent further atrocities and protect critical infrastructure. Pobee urged the conflicting parties in Sudan to cease hostilities in El Fasher immediately.
In her address, Pobee pointed out that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible for a horrifying attack in Wad Al-Noura, which resulted in the deaths of 100 civilians. She also underscored the grave human rights violations occurring in Sudan, including summary executions and rampant sexual violence, predominantly perpetrated by the RSF.
The international community continues to watch the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize humanitarian access and civilian protection amidst the ongoing conflict.
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### Short Titles
1. **### British Envoy to the UN Urges Sudanese Conflict Parties to Protect Civilian Lives
**New York, June 19, 2024** – Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s representative to the United Nations Security Council, has called on the parties involved in the Sudanese conflict to ensure the protection of civilian lives. She emphasized the urgent need to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and facilitate its delivery to prevent widespread starvation among Sudanese civilians.
Woodward’s appeal comes amid escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in the city of El Fasher, which has raised concerns about increasing civilian suffering. Martha Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, expressed deep concern at the beginning of the Security Council session on Sudanese conflicts, warning that the fighting in El Fasher could exacerbate civilian hardships.
Pobee highlighted that Sudan is at risk of descending into further violence and fragmentation without swift intervention. She stressed the necessity of a ceasefire in El Fasher to prevent further atrocities and protect critical infrastructure. Pobee urged the conflicting parties in Sudan to cease hostilities in El Fasher immediately.
In her address, Pobee pointed out that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible for a horrifying attack in Wad Al-Noura, which resulted in the deaths of 100 civilians. She also underscored the grave human rights violations occurring in Sudan, including summary executions and rampant sexual violence, predominantly perpetrated by the RSF.
The international community continues to watch the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize humanitarian access and civilian protection amidst the ongoing conflict.
