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11 August 2024 (New York) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern about the evolving situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan, and called for the protection of civilians.
The secretary-general’s deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq, said on Sunday that heavy fighting had taken place in famine-stricken areas of North Darfur.
Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and members of the armed struggle movement in El Fasher have left civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict sparked by rival armies in April 2023.
“These clashes have had devastating consequences for civilians,” Farhan Haq said in a statement to Sudan Tribune.
He added: “Famine has now been confirmed in the Zam Zam refugee camp in southern El Fasher and is likely to occur in other displaced persons camps in the city, while fighting will further exacerbate humanitarian needs in and around El Fasher.”
The recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) concluded that famine conditions are widespread in parts of North Darfur, including in the Zam Zam refugee camp in El Fasher.
The Zam Zam IDP camp, located south of the town of El Fasher, is one of the largest IDP camps, with an estimated population of at least 500,000. The situation has further deteriorated as violence in Sudan has continued for more than 15 months, severely hampering humanitarian access.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and allow safe passage, and to facilitate rapid and unhindered humanitarian access,” Haq explained.
The UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Spokesperson said that Guterres also reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a lasting ceasefire, and urged all parties to resume political dialogue, which is the only way to resolve the issue through negotiations.
“The United Nations remains committed to supporting international mediation efforts and working with all relevant stakeholders to help end the war,” he stressed.
According to the United Nations, about 25.6 million people in Sudan (more than half of the country’s total population) are facing severe hunger, of which 755,000 are on the brink of famine. In addition, about 10.7 million people are currently displaced within the country.
(English stone)
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