Martin Griffiths, the leader of UN humanitarian operations, on Monday urged the conflicting factions in Sudan to ensure secure and unobstructed passage for humanitarian workers.
Griffiths issued the plea while participating in the maiden session of the Sudan Humanitarian Forum. The forum emerged as an initiative established by the conflicting parties in Sudan during their agreement in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on November 7.
The primary objective of the forum is to streamline the delivery of humanitarian aid and tackle the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
During his speech at the forum’s inaugural session, Griffiths emphasized the urgent necessity for enhanced access to civilians affected by the crisis.
“What we desperately need is safe and unhindered access so we can reach all people in need,” Griffiths said.
He emphasized the immediate requirement for access to effectively contain the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has extended into conflict-prone areas such as Khartoum and South Kordofan.
Griffiths stressed the potential of the outbreak escalating beyond control if not addressed promptly.
Griffiths also urged the conflicting parties to implement tangible measures to fulfill their obligations and promises in safeguarding civilians from the ongoing conflict.
“We also call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including by protecting civilians and ensuring their access to humanitarian assistance,” he asserted.
The United Nations approximates that the conflict has resulted in the loss of more than 10,000 civilian lives since it began on April of this year.
