Sudan: Ceasefire could save lives of civilians trapped without water, food or medical assistance

2023-04-25 10:45:00

Street battles and the use of heavy explosive weapons in Khartoum have had a devastating effect on the civilian population and critical infrastructure over the past week, forcing many people to flee or seek refuge.

Patrick Youssef, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regional director for Africa, said: “Khartoum is a densely populated city with millions of people. When heavy explosive weapons are used, the streets become battlefields and the population civilians pay the highest price, there are hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries as a devastating result of this violence.

We welcome the news of the ceasefire and urge the international community to help find a lasting political solution to end the bloodshed. There is no doubt that this ceasefire must be implemented throughout the entire chain of command and that it must be maintained in order to give real relief to the civilian population suffering from the fighting.”

It is increasingly difficult for hospitals to care for patients, since health personnel cannot get to work and supplies run out. Violence in other parts of the country, such as Darfur, has also led to civilian casualties and growing humanitarian needs.

The ICRC urges the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.

“The parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid injuries and deaths among the civilian population. Critical civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and the power grid, must also be protected. It is not optional. They are legal obligations,” said Mr. Youssef. .

The ICRC reaffirms its commitment to assist those who need it and calls on the warring parties to guarantee safe movement for humanitarian purposes. Our top priority is to increase hospital attendance and help communities have access to clean water.

Note to editors:

The ICRC has been present in Yemen since 1976, assisting people affected by the conflicts in Darfur, the Blue Nile and southern Kordofan. The ICRC is currently working closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to support hospitals and health facilities with equipment and supplies, improve access to safe drinking water in coordination with local water supply authorities and support authorities in the provision of rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.

Media Contacts:

Alyona Synenko, ICRC Nairobi,
[phone], [email protected]

Crystal Wells, CICR Ginebra,
[phone], [email protected]

Fatima Sator, CICR Ginebra,
[phone], [email protected]

Alaa Nayel, CICR Kuwait,
[phone], [email protected]

Names Trabelsi, CICR Beirut,
tel: [phone][email protected]

Sam Smith, ICRC London
[phone], [email protected]

Galina Balzamova, ICRC Moscowú,
[phone], [email protected]

Frédéric Joli, ICRC Paris,
[phone], [email protected]

Elizabeth Shaw, CICR Washington DC,
[phone], [email protected]