The UK condemned the ongoing violence in Sudan and the DRC, citing significant humanitarian crises. Foreign Secretary David Lammy discussed the severe impacts of conflicts, including violence against civilians, extrajudicial killings, and regional instability. He called for international intervention and highlighted the suffering of women and children in these regions.
The United Kingdom has expressed strong condemnation of the escalating violence occurring in both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a statement to Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy referred to these conflicts as among the most significant humanitarian disasters of our time, contributing to dire living conditions for affected populations.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued for 21 months. Recent attacks by RSF forces on El-Fasher’s last functional hospital resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 70 patients and their companions, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Furthermore, Lammy condemned the RSF’s artillery strikes on the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons in western Sudan, along with reports of extrajudicial killings by SAF-aligned militias in Wad Madani. He emphasized that these assaults reflect a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and the safety of innocent civilians.
Having recently visited the Chad-Sudan border region, Lammy related harrowing experiences shared by refugees, predominantly women and children, alluding to extreme hardships they faced. One account detailed a woman’s traumatic injuries due to violence, highlighting the rampant abuse that many endure in these crises.
Addressing the situation in the DRC, Lammy remarked on the intensifying conflict in the eastern part of the country, where M23 rebels have encroached on the major city of Goma. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of UN peacekeepers from various nations and has forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
He pointed out the alarming dangers faced by women and girls in the region, with reports of horrific violence and mutilations committed by armed groups. Lammy criticized the global community’s lack of attention to these crises, advocating for increased international involvement and equal prioritization of conflicts worldwide.
In light of this, he urged for urgent interventions, including a permanent ceasefire between conflicting parties in Sudan, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and a sustained UN presence in the area. The UK has updated travel advisories, recommending that British nationals refrain from visiting the Rubavu district in Rwanda near the conflict-prone Goma border.
While acknowledging the complexities of these crises, Lammy stressed that remaining inactive is not an option. He emphasized the powerlessness felt by civilians amidst chaos and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to raising awareness and striving towards the resolution of these conflicts.
The humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have drawn international concern due to the severe impacts on civilian populations. Both regions are experiencing prolonged conflicts characterized by violence against civilians, displacement, and disregard for humanitarian norms. Reports indicate widespread atrocities, particularly against vulnerable groups such as women and children, thus necessitating greater international focus and intervention.
In summary, the UK government has condemned the escalating violence in Sudan and the DRC, highlighting the humanitarian disasters resulting from these conflicts. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for urgent international action to address the crises, advocating for ceasefires, humanitarian access, and global attention to ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable populations. The situation remains dire, demanding persistent efforts and engagement from the international community.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
