‘This is an important first step in much needed negotiations. However, the parties’ commitment to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, and to respect the humanitarian principles, only becomes meaningful if it leads to actual changes on the ground.’

‘The Parties must take concrete actions to ensure that international humanitarian and human rights law is fully respected and implemented. In particular, all feasible measures must be taken to ensure the protection of civilians against harm caused by military operations. The parties must also ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, ‘ said Huitfeldt.

‘The Sudanese people have suffered immensely since fighting broke out on 15 April and the country is in extreme duress. The Parties must therefore agree to a formal ceasefire as soon as possible. The international community will stand ready to support the implementation of a credible ceasefire, ‘ said Huitfeldt.

‘Stopping the fighting will not by itself end the political crisis. Only an inclusive political process can deal with the fundamental questions now confronting the people and the state. The only sustainable solution is to re-establish the democratic transition, building on the achievements that have been reached since the 2019 Revolution, and respecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Norway remains committed to work with and for the people of Sudan. We will pursue this commitment in co-operation with regional actors and likeminded partners,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Source – Norwegian Government

Sudan – Signing of Declaration of Commitment, 12 May 2023

 

Paris, 12 May 2023

France welcomes the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan signed by representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. It reiterates that these commitments to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid are legal obligations for both parties under international humanitarian law.

France calls on the parties to commit without undue delay to a lasting ceasefire that is fully and effectively respected on the ground in order to facilitate the establishment of humanitarian corridors and ensure the safety of civilians still located in combat zones.

France commends the talks under way in Jeddah since May 6 under the auspices of the United States and Saudi Arabia, as well as the mobilization of all regional and international partners, specifically the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League and the member states of these organizations.

France stresses that restoring peace in Sudan can only occur if all Sudanese stakeholders are brought into the process. It calls on the parties to include all Sudanese political forces and civil society organizations in the discussions in order to achieve a lasting ceasefire and a political resolution of the crisis.

Source – French Government

UN: Secretary-General welcomes signing of Declaration to protect civilians in Sudan

 

New York, 12 May 2023
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing by the parties to the conflict in Sudan of the Declaration of Commitment to protect civilians and guarantee the safe passage of humanitarian aid in the country.

While humanitarian workers, most notably local partners, have continued to deliver in very difficult circumstances, the Secretary-General hopes this Declaration will ensure that the relief operation can scale up swiftly and safely to meet the needs of millions of people in Sudan.  He reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and expanded discussions to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The United Nations will spare no effort to assist in the Declaration’s implementation and will continue to deliver humanitarian aid, ceasefire or not.

Source – UN