Thank you, Mr. President. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the UN Security Council on the food security risks in Sudan, emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian access. She highlighted that 18 million Sudanese people face acute food insecurity and warned of catastrophic consequences without urgent assistance.
Thomas-Greenfield called for parties involved in the conflict to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and begin direct negotiations to cease hostilities. "We cannot hope to alleviate the humanitarian crisis facing the Sudanese people if we do not address the root cause of it," she stated.
The ambassador accused members of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces of committing war crimes and demanded respect for human rights and international law obligations. She urged regional powers to stop supplying weapons to conflicting parties, reminding them of a binding UN arms embargo in Darfur.
She emphasized prohibiting starvation as a warfare method and demanded immediate relief for Sudanese civilians, highlighting the necessity for humanitarian actors to reach all those in need. Thomas-Greenfield called for reopening border crossings with Chad, particularly Adre, noting that existing routes are insufficient for significant aid flow.
"If the SAF does not urgently reverse its decision to limit cross-border access, the Security Council must take swift action," she warned, suggesting authorizing a cross-border mechanism if necessary.
She expressed concern about threats faced by aid workers, stressing their protection is essential as they deliver critical support to civilians. The United States has provided over $968 million since September 2023 but stressed that only five percent of the UN's appeal has been met.
Recalling her visit to Adre refugee camp, Thomas-Greenfield expressed her desire to assure refugees that efforts are underway to end their suffering. "Right now, I can’t say that," she admitted, urging more action from international donors and stakeholders.