Caritas Internationalis delivered the following joint statement with ACT:
58th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, 24 February–4 April 2025
ITEM 2: EID on the HC report on the situation of human rights in the Sudan
Joint Oral statement delivered by: Caritas Internationalis
Mr. President,
Caritas Internationalis and co-signatories take note of the report of the High Commissioner. We are deeply concerned regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been affecting millions of people, particularly women and children, for nearly two years. The unrelenting conflict has led to widespread hunger, with nearly 25 million people facing acute food insecurity[1], and alarming levels of sexual violence. Humanitarian access challenges and safety of humanitarian personnel also contribute to exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The urgent need for immediate unhindered and safe humanitarian access across Sudan and its borders, as well as increased funding for local and national responders and bold diplomatic efforts to end the violence and find a way to peace is essential.
We therefore urge the international community to demonstrate greater solidarity and financial support to respond to the huge and increasing humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people.
We also call for:
- More assertive international engagement in seeking diplomatic and inclusive peaceful solutions to the conflict in Sudan
- Compliance by the concerned parties with obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law, including taking specific measures for the protection of women and children
- Immediate, unhindered and safe humanitarian access across Sudan and its borders
Finally, we welcome the upcoming Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) to take stock of aid efforts to Sudan as an opportunity to address these pressing issues. In the context of global aid cuts, it is essential that solutions are found to sustain and strengthen support for local NGOs and civil society organisations, including women-led organisations, whose frontline efforts are vital for an effective humanitarian response. We are particularly concerned regarding the recent announcement of significant US aid cuts and their catastrophic impact on Sudan and neighboring countries hosting Sudanese.[2] The sudden reduction or elimination of these funds could have far-reaching consequences for the most vulnerable populations.
[1] https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-calls-for-urgent-action-to-address-widening-famine-in-sudan/en
[2] The United States (was) the largest donor of humanitarian aid to the Sudan response, providing more than $2.3 billion in humanitarian assistance since the start of Fiscal Year 2023 (cfr.https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/united-states-provides-nearly-200-million-additional-humanitarian-assistance-people-sudan)
