Russia: Shameful veto of Security Council resolution on Sudan leaves millions of civilians at continued risk

20 November 2024

Reacting to Russia's veto of a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on 18 November demanding an end to attacks against civilians and calling for facilitation of humanitarian assistance to millions in desperate need, amongst other things, in the armed conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

"Amnesty International is deeply disappointed by this shameful veto. Once again, politics has stood in the way of civilian protection with the UNSC failing to fulfil its mandate.

"Sudan is the world's largest displacement crisis. Facilitation of humanitarian assistance, as called for in the draft resolution, would have offered temporary relief to millions of internally displaced persons in urgent need of assistance.

"All countries fueling the conflict must immediately cease direct and indirect supplies of arms and ammunition to both sides and respect and enforce the UNSC's embargo on Darfur. The UNSC must also prioritize civilian protection by expanding the existing arms embargo to the rest of Sudan."

Background

The current armed conflict in Sudan between SAF and the RSF erupted in April 2023. The UNSC draft resolution on 18 November, among other things, expressed concern and condemned human rights and international humanitarian law violations and abuses. It also urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilian infrastructure necessary to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to allow and facilitate humanitarian access, while encouraging international partners to scale up humanitarian assistance.