UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION

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I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Volker Perthes, for his briefing on the latest updates and developments in Sudan, including the UN initiative to facilitate a Sudanese-led dialogue. I also welcome the representative of Sudan to this meeting, Mr. Ammar Mohammed.

The UAE welcomes the efforts made by the UN in facilitating consultations with Sudanese stakeholders to forge a common understanding that will push the transitional period forward. In this regard, we highlight the active and widespread participation in the consultations, including women and youth, as well as the consultations held with international and regional partners – such as the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD – which demonstrate widespread support for a Sudanese-owned and led political transition that fulfills the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Regarding the socio-economic and humanitarian situation, and despite the significant and far-reaching economic reforms that Sudan has implemented over the last two years in cooperation with international partners as a part of its transition, the suspension of international assistance has negatively affected its economy. Inflation averaged 350% in 2021, food prices sharply increased, and the provision of basic goods and services is severely constrained. The dire economic situation is further exacerbated by climate change and the disruption of the agricultural season. It is now projected that over 18 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2022, which underlines the importance of heeding the Secretary-General’s call for the Member States to respond swiftly to the humanitarian needs in Sudan.

As part of our presidency commitment to bring attention to implementation of resolution 2565, I also highlight that less than 5% of Sudan’s people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which requires investment in Sudan’s health system and combining vaccination efforts with other essential services.

With regard to the security situation in some parts of Sudan, we recognize the important steps undertaken by the authorities in Sudan to address these challenges. We also view the role of the Darfur Permanent Ceasefire Committee as critical and important in the context of completing the integration of forces and beginning the implementation of the security arrangements outlined under the Juba Peace Agreement. We join the Secretary-General in welcoming the steps to operationalize the Committee, which requires international donors to allocate adequate logistical and financial resources to carry out its tasks.

In conclusion, we also wish to reiterate that our primary responsibility must be to incentivize greater progress and a successful political transition in Sudan. The Sudanese people have shown their determination to overcome this difficult period and build an inclusive, stable, and prosperous Sudan. We call on the friends and partners of Sudan, including the Council, to support the aspirations of the Sudanese people in a manner that respects Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity.

Thank you.