Delivered By: His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I would like to begin by thanking Secretary Blinken and the United States for convening this critical discussion on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, and welcome your continued leadership in addressing this devastating situation. After more than 18 months of conflict, we are witnessing a man-made disaster that grows more severe by the day.

There are four key areas that require urgent attention:

First, the most effective way to protect civilians is to implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The UAE calls on the warring parties to cease hostilities and put the Sudanese people ahead of their military objectives. They must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law as well as their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. Perpetrators of such violations must be held accountable.

Second, humanitarian access needs to be systematic rather than piecemeal, and the weaponization of hunger must end. Recent developments have shown that when there is political will, humanitarian access is possible. The extension of the Adre border crossing authorization is a positive development, and we welcome the entry of aid to the Zamzam camp. The message to the warring parties should be clear:  ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas under their control and the protection of humanitarian workers. The blocking of aid and attacks on those who provide it has to stop.

This leads me to my third point. The Council must utilise all its tools to pressure the warring parties to address the dire humanitarian situation on the ground and compel them to come to the negotiating table. Serious consideration must be given to enabling cross-border and cross-line humanitarian aid.

Finally, we must not turn a blind eye to the gendered impact of this war, with women and girls representing more than half of those displaced and subjected to widespread sexual violence. It is critical that we integrate and promote the perspectives of women and girls in our response. This is why the UAE is leading an initiative to amplify Sudanese women’s perspectives within the ALPS group.

Mr. President,

Contrary to unfounded claims made in the Chamber today, the UAE reaffirms that it is not providing support to any of the warring parties.

It is deeply regrettable that the Sudanese representative would once again exploit an important Council meeting to try to evade responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground by making unfounded allegations against the UAE.

The UAE categorically rejects the baseless allegations we have heard here today. We will continue to uphold our obligations under all Security Council resolutions and engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders, including the Panel of Experts on Sudan.

Mr. President,

All the claims we have heard from the Sudanese representative are designed to distract from the SAF’s unwillingness to participate in peace talks that lead to civilian-led governance in Sudan. They can point the finger in any direction they like, but it does not change the fundamental truth that their goal is to take power in Sudan through the barrel of a gun, regardless of the cost to the people of Sudan.

Mr. President,

The UAE has historical bonds with the Sudanese people, and we will continue to stand by them.

Only the warring parties can put an end to this violence, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and commit to a genuine political process leading to a civilian-led government.

The cost of inaction is simply too high, and it is Sudanese civilians who pay the price.

Thank you, Mr. President.