Norway voiced significant concern on Monday regarding the impediments to humanitarian efforts in Sudan, urging for the immediate reestablishment of secure and free humanitarian passage throughout the country.
The ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023 involving the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in numerous deaths, mass displacement, and a critical food security situation.
Military-aligned authorities have reportedly hindered aid distribution to the Darfur area, adjacent to Chad. However, in response to substantial internal and global pressure, Sudan has recently sanctioned the utilization of the Al-Tina border crossing for aid deliveries to Darfur.
The Norwegian government underscored the necessity of barrier-free humanitarian routes between territories controlled by the RSF and SAF, highlighting that obstructing humanitarian aid contravenes International Humanitarian Law and could amount to a war crime.
“The war’s humanitarian impact in Sudan is deeply distressing, with over half of its populace, roughly 25 million people, in dire need of aid. About 18 million are grappling with severe hunger, and a potential famine threat looms, as per UN alerts, if the situation fails to improve. Many are unreachable by aid groups. The protection of civilians is paramount, and employing starvation as a combat strategy is absolutely banned,” Norway’s statement conveyed.
Additionally, a telecommunications shutdown has been effective since February, complicating humanitarian efforts and endangering civilian safety.
Norway expressed grave concern for the intentional ruin of civilian infrastructure, such as telecommunication networks, noting its severe impact on civilians amidst the conflict.
The statement concluded with a stern reminder to all involved factions: “Adherence to International Humanitarian Law is obligatory, consistently and without exception.”–Web Desk