Sudan: In the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality - UN Chief

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Published Feb 17, 2025

Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, during the Sudan Humanitarian Pledging Conference on the Sidelines of the African Union Summit 2025.

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Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to use “tremendous leverage for good”, generously support the humanitarian response and a cessation of hostilities that the people of Sudan so desperately need.

The Secretary-General is attending the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, spoke to a high-level humanitarian conference for the people of Sudan.

He said that in his previous capacity as High Commissioner for Refugees, he saw firsthand the enormous generosity of the Sudanese people – as they supported their own internally displaced population as well as refugees. Now, he added, the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair.

He said, “Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality. A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region. And a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention, from the African Union and the broader international community.”

“Humanitarian access remains a fundamental challenge, particularly where the fighting is most active,” the UN chief reiterated.

He saluted local responders and civil society organizations -- including women-led organizations – who continue to work bravely and tirelessly to provide assistance and services in their communities, often at great personal risk.

The Secretary-General highlighted as we focus on the response to humanitarian needs, let’s also be clear about basic principles.

He said, “Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected. Rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated in all areas of need. The external support and flow of weapons must end. This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed.”

The Secretary-General concluded, “The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner. At this blessed time for peace, compassion, giving and solidarity, I urge all of you to use your tremendous leverage for good.”