Sudan Berlin Conference: “It is time to stop talking and to start taking action”

While we welcome the UK’s announcement of additional funding for Sudanese frontline responders, the international Sudan conference in Berlin must go beyond hand-wringing, pledges and declarations. Concrete measures are urgently needed to protect civilians, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and most importantly, to stop a war that is marked by a grotesque level of atrocities perpetuated against civilians.

Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) urges the UK to use all diplomatic, economic and political tools at its disposal to bring pressure to bear on the warring parties and the states that enable them, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is widely reported to be the main backer of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Dr Natalie Roberts, Executive Director of MSF UK said:

"As Sudan marks the third year of a devastating war, MSF is witnessing escalating attacks by both warring parties on hospitals, medical staff and patients, including children. This conflict continues to inflict an unbearable toll on civilians. 

"Displacement, disease and hunger are a daily reality for millions. Massive and pervasive sexual violence is a defining feature of this conflict, along with siege warfare and brutal massacres. This extreme violence must stop today. It is time to stop talking and to start taking action.

"The UK Government’s pledge to increase support for Sudan’s essential voluntary and mutual aid groups is a welcome, but entirely underwhelming gesture. Humanitarian efforts cannot be a substitute for a ceasefire and peace-building. The UK Government must turn up the pressure on the UAE and all those seeking geopolitical advantage at the cost of Sudanese lives".