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Thank you, Madam President.
Let me also thank USG Di Carlo and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ms Hannan Sulieman for their briefings.
Today’s reports paint a devastating picture. The conflict in Sudan continues to spiral out of control, with appalling consequences for civilians across the country.
As we have heard, the use of armed drones has become a defining and deeply troubling feature of this war. Civilians, civilian objects and critical infrastructure are targeted, with impunity.
Denmark condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms.
Madam President,
Just last week, this Council expressed alarm at the RSF military build-up around El Obeid. The developments are starkly familiar and the international community has warned of potentially catastrophic consequences for the hundreds of thousands present or displaced in the city.
Let me be clear: we cannot allow El Obeid to become another El Fasher. We demand that the RSF halt any offensive, and call on the parties to protect civilians and allow the free and safe passage of all those seeking to flee.
This Council has a responsibility to act early to prevent mass atrocities, not only to react when it is too late. We must use every tool at our disposal, including the sanctions regime, to prevent civilian harm and ensure accountability.
We condemn direct and indirect external interference in Sudan whether through military, logistical or economic means and call on all states to comply with this Council’s arms embargo. We once again urge this Council to speak with one voice and to act.
Madam President,
Against this backdrop, humanitarian access remains extremely obstructed. Nearly 20 million face acute hunger, and more than 800,000 children risk severe malnutrition. Aid workers continue to face attacks, bureaucratic obstruction, and deliberate denial of passage.
Denmark demands that all parties grant immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Sudan, without conditions, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. Every day of obstruction is a death sentence for those who cannot wait.
UNICEF’s briefing is a stark reminder of the enormous toll of this war on Sudan’s children who face mass displacement, famine, and a collapse of the education system. Denmark calls on all parties to immediately end grave violations against children, uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and relevant Security Council resolutions, and engage with the United Nations to develop and implement action plans to prevent these violations.
Furthermore, a report issued this week by OHCHR lays bare the brutality and magnitude of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan since the start of the war.
Accountability for these crimes must be pursued.
Madam President,
Denmark expresses its full support for the work of Personal Envoy Haavisto and welcomes the momentum generated by the Addis Ababa consultations in June led by the Quintet, towards an inclusive civilian-led political process.
These are positive steps towards greater convergence of regional and international efforts with Sudanese people at the centre. An inclusive civilian-led transition, free from the coercion of armed actors and with the meaningful participation of women, youth and minority groups, remains the only viable path out of this conflict.
Denmark urges all stakeholders to engage constructively and in good faith through concrete confidence building measures, including an immediate halt on attacks on critical infrastructure.
Denmark equally supports the Quad’s efforts to achieve an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a permanent, nation-wide ceasefire.
In closing,
Denmark believes it is long past time for this Council to unite.
To prevent atrocities in El Obeid. To demand a nationwide, cessation of hostilities. To move beyond condolence, concern and condemnation and to uphold our mandate to maintain international peace and security. We need to take concrete measures and see them implemented.
The people of Sudan have suffered for too long.
Thank you.
