Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Mr President,
New Zealand welcomes the FFM’s report on the human rights situation in Sudan. More than two years on, the war in Sudan continues to have a devastating impact on Sudanese civilians, with no end in sight. Some 10 million people are displaced internally, 4 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, and 25 million people face acute food insecurity including famine.
New Zealand remains gravely concerned by parties’ ongoing disregard of international law and indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations. We deplore the abhorrent reports of ethnically motivated and sexual- and gender-based violence, including against children, as well as ongoing accounts of summary executions, forced displacement, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.
New Zealand calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law including respect for international human rights law; and ensure the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid desperately required by millions of Sudanese people.
We urge all parties to engage in good faith negotiations to reach an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a durable, inclusive political solution to the conflict. We welcome all efforts towards dialogue, mediation, and accountability to this end.
Ultimately, the goal must be for all parties to work towards the transition to a civilian-led, democratic government and lasting peace.
I thank you.