Sudanese Delegation Considers Geneva Discussions on Humanitarian Issues Constructive and Calls on International Community to Fulfill its Commitments

Geneva – Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

The Sudanese government delegation participating in the Geneva discussions on humanitarian issues has called on the international community to fulfil its commitments to those in need. A statement issued by the delegation today (Saturday), signed by its head, Salwa Adam Bunya, indicated that despite the facilitation provided by the government, the international community’s response to humanitarian aid remains very minimal compared to the actual needs of the displaced.

The delegation, according to the statement, reviewed the background of its participation in the Geneva discussions, considering it a response to a kind invitation from the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Ramathan Lamamra, which led the Sudanese government to send a specialised delegation in humanitarian affairs for indirect discussions on humanitarian issues. In this context, the delegation expressed gratitude to the envoy, his working team, and the Swiss government for facilitating its mission.
Regarding the item on the protection of civilians discussed in the indirect talks, the government delegation reaffirmed that this item belongs to the Jeddah platform, emphasising that the commitments of the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians, signed on May 11 of last year, must be fully and urgently implemented.

The government delegation also reiterated its commitment to continued positive engagement with the United Nations to alleviate humanitarian suffering for the Sudanese people while respecting Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and in accordance with national laws, policies, and priorities governing humanitarian affairs. It also firmly rejected establishing parallel entities to the official institutions responsible for humanitarian work.

The statement reminded the public that, despite the government’s commitment to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, rebel militias have consistently attacked and looted aid and suppressed unarmed civilians. In this context, the government delegation calls on the international community to compel the rebel militias to implement the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians requirements.
The statement mentioned that a final direct discussion session was held in Geneva on Thursday, July 18, between the Sudanese government delegation, led by the General Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid, Ms Salwa Adam Bunya, and the office of the UN Secretary-General’s envoy to Sudan, led by Ramathan Lamamra. The two delegations held a total of 11 sessions, 9 of which were at the level of specialised technical teams from both sides. The discussions primarily focused on humanitarian aid, including international funding, joint evaluation, priorities and measures, state-defined humanitarian access routes, and sustainable solutions for those affected.

The statement added, “The discussions were marked by a considerable degree of positivity that can be built upon to normalise the humanitarian situation in the country. To fulfil its commitments to facilitate humanitarian access to those in need across different regions of Sudan, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, the government has granted 1,529 entry visas to humanitarian workers from various organisations and UN bodies, 10,944 movement permits and notifications, and provided customs, tax exemptions, and all fees on humanitarian aid imports and mechanisms, amounting to approximately $360 million.”

The statement also confirmed the facilitation of entry for hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including 542 trucks through the Al-Tinah crossing, in addition to 60 trucks previously for the Greater Darfur States, and increasing the number of crossings from 2 to 9, an 80% increase from before, to deliver humanitarian aid.