UN Secretary-General calls for urgent action to halt escalating crisis in Sudan and strengthen multilateral cooperation

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Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently addressed the Security Council meeting on “Effective Multilateralism Through the Defence of the Principles of the United Nations Charter and the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law,” highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation as the core of the United Nations. However, he began by expressing his deep concern over the escalating situation in Sudan, where ongoing fighting has led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries since April 15th.

Guterres condemned the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian areas, including healthcare facilities, urged all parties to halt combat operations in densely populated areas, and emphasised the need for unhindered humanitarian aid operations, access to essential supplies, and the evacuation of civilians from combat zones. The Secretary-General has been in continuous contact with the conflicting parties, urging them to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations.

Despite the challenges, Guterres assured that the United Nations remains committed to supporting the Sudanese people and their aspirations for a peaceful future. He announced the temporary relocation of some UN personnel and their families both inside and outside Sudan, emphasising that the UN is not leaving the country.

The Secretary-General called on all Council members to exert their influence to end the violence, restore order, and return Sudan to the path of democratic transition. He highlighted the UN’s historical successes in averting a third world war, promoting peacemaking and preventive diplomacy, facilitating disarmament and non-proliferation, and advancing economic and social progress. Guterres urged the international community to work together to pull Sudan back from the brink and uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter.

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