UK Statement at the Security Council: The Prolonged Conflict in Sudan is Inflicting Severe Harm on Its People.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to express my gratitude to Special Representative Perthes, Commissioner Adeoye, and Executive Secretary Gebeyehu for their updates.

I want to begin by emphasizing our support for SRSG Perthes and all UN personnel who are working in Sudan under incredibly difficult conditions.

Mr. President, the ongoing conflict in Sudan is indeed a tragedy, significantly affecting the Sudanese population.

The United Kingdom strongly urges both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to halt hostilities immediately, protect civilians, and ensure safe, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.

Coordinated efforts from international and regional allies are vital to help bring this conflict to an end.

We welcome all diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving this, including the Jeddah Declaration signed on 11 May and the Ceasefire Agreement reached on 20 May.

However, these commitments will hold no value unless they are acted upon and not exploited for military gain. We urge all parties to honor their commitments in both letter and spirit.

We also commend the efforts of the African Union, IGAD, and the League of Arab States in working towards ending the violence. It is essential that there is robust coordination among regional and international organizations.

Furthermore, it is crucial that the voices of Sudanese civilians are amplified. They must be included at all stages of the process, particularly in mediation efforts aimed at ceasing hostilities and ultimately achieving a democratic transition with a civilian-led government.

Mr. President, let me highlight the horrific human rights and humanitarian crisis that this conflict has generated.

As previously stated, over 500 civilians have lost their lives. Thousands have sustained injuries, and millions are lacking basic necessities like food and medicine. In West Darfur, unprecedented violence is erupting at a scale not witnessed in decades.

More than 150,000 individuals have been forced to flee Sudan. The United Kingdom extends its gratitude and pledges support to neighboring countries that have taken in refugees.

The demand for humanitarian aid has surged sharply, with needs already at record levels before the onset of this conflict.

We call for a prompt cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, which includes homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship. The plundering of humanitarian resources is utterly unacceptable. We reiterate our stance that those responsible must be held accountable.

Mr. President, in conclusion, we offer our unwavering support to UNITAMS as we move forward with discussions on the renewal of their mandate and stand united with the Sudanese people in their quest for a peaceful and democratic future.

Thank you.