Amid ongoing violence in Sudan, a new resolution calling for a ceasefire will soon be considered by the United Nations Security Council.
Council members are currently working on a draft resolution proposed by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone. After preliminary deliberations with the Council’s permanent members, the United Kingdom circulated the initial draft text to all members on 8 November.
According to Reuters news agency, the draft resolution calls in particular for the Adre border crossing with Chad to remain open for humanitarian aid deliveries. The three-month authorisation granted by the Sudanese authorities to the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to use this crossing point to reach Darfur will expire in mid-November.
The resolution “demands that the Rapid Support Forces immediately cease their offensives” across Sudan, “and that the warring parties immediately cease hostilities”.
The new UN resolution comes as the rights group Human Rights Watch called on Monday for an international force to protect civilians in Sudan, following reports that the Rapid Support Forces killed dozens of civilians and committed numerous rapes in a devastating attack in east-central Sudan between October 20 and 25.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with fighting causing untold suffering to the civilian population. It is imperative that the international community act quickly to end these atrocities and ensure the safety of vulnerable civilians.
It is crucial that the UN Security Council take a firm and united stance to end the violence and promote peace and stability in Sudan. The human rights of all individuals must be respected and protected, and any form of impunity must be resolutely combated.
The international community has a moral duty to intervene to end the suffering of innocent people and work towards lasting peace and a better future for Sudan.