On Thursday, 24 European countries and the European Commission issued a joint ministerial statement on the protection of civilians and humanitarian operations in Sudan. The statement was signed by Norway, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Switzerland).
The statement read: “We express our grave concern about the continuing illegal and bloody attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations, as fierce fighting continues in the states of Kordofan and Darfur.”
The statement added: “The recent sharp escalation of drone and air strikes on displaced civilians, health facilities, food convoys, and areas near humanitarian compounds has resulted in a large number of civilian deaths and injuries, further disrupting humanitarian access and supply lines.”
The European countries said that in recent weeks there have been drone and missile strikes on World Food Program trucks and warehouses, as well as health facilities. These attacks have resulted in deaths and serious injuries to civilians and humanitarian workers, and the destruction of urgently needed humanitarian supplies and infrastructure.
The statement continued: “Deliberate attacks against individuals, vehicles, or humanitarian supplies, as well as the deliberate obstruction of relief supplies, are contrary to international humanitarian law and may be considered war crimes.”
The countries pointed out that the Darfur and Kordofan regions have become the center of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. According to European estimates, up to 100,000 people have been displaced in recent months in the Kordofan states alone.
“The horrific violence against civilians, particularly women and children, and all serious violations of international humanitarian law are condemned in the strongest terms. These violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity and must be investigated promptly and impartially, with those responsible for international crimes being held accountable.”
The statement called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, which includes an obligation to allow and facilitate rapid, safe, and unimpeded access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies for civilians in need.”
