UN chief says Sudanese civilians bear 'highest price' of war

'Almost 12 million people have fled their homes, in what has become the world's largest displacement crisis,' says Antonio Guterres

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday marked the second anniversary of the conflict in Sudan by warning about the dire toll on civilians and urged global action to end the fighting.

"Two years into a devastating war, Sudan remains in a crisis of staggering proportions, with civilians paying the highest price," Guterres said in a statement that condemned indiscriminate attacks on markets, hospitals, schools and displacement sites.

"Almost 12 million people have fled their homes, in what has become the world's largest displacement crisis," with more than 3.8 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, he said.

Noting that more than 30 million people require humanitarian aid, including 25 million facing acute hunger, he warned that "as the lean season looms, famine has been identified in at least five locations and is projected to spread further."

Guterres said that "aid workers have been targeted: at least 90 have lost their lives since the fighting began," as he called for accountability.

"Independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all reports of violations and abuses are also crucial," he said.

He voiced concern about continued weapons transfers, "The external support and flow of weapons must end," he said.

Calling for renewed political will, Guterres emphasized that, "the only way to ensure the protection of civilians is to end this senseless conflict."

"The world must not forget the people of Sudan," he said, adding that the UN remains committed to supporting peace efforts led by his personal envoy Ramtane Lamamra.

Since April 15, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been battling the army for control of Sudan, resulting in thousands of deaths and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

More than 20,000 victims have been killed and 15 million displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US scholars, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

In recent weeks, the RSF has lost significant territory across Sudan to government forces.

Kaynak:

This news has been read 66 times in total