Mr President,
I would first like to thank Ms. Edem Wosornu from OCHA, Ms. Beth Bechdol from FAO for their presentations.
I would like to emphasize three points.
First of all, France is concerned by the worsening food crisis in Sudan. The latest report from the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) system is clear: due to the continuation of the conflict, more than half of the Sudanese population is exposed to extreme food insecurity. And today, famine rages in at least five regions of Sudan, notably in the camps for displaced people in North Darfur.
Once again, the continuation of the conflict is responsible for this dramatic humanitarian situation. The conclusion of a ceasefire is therefore urgent.
The international community is called upon to mobilize to finance the 2025 humanitarian response plan for Sudan published by the United Nations, and provide assistance to 21 million people in need.
Second point, it is imperative that all parties to the conflict allow rapid, full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, across borders and across front lines. Access difficulties are the root cause of food insecurity in Sudan.
Furthermore, France condemns all attacks carried out against humanitarian personnel, who must be protected under international humanitarian law, as recalled in Security Council resolution 2730. She expresses her full solidarity with the families of the three employees of the World Food Program killed by an aerial bombardment on December 19 and pays tribute to their work as well as that of all humanitarian personnel.
Mr President,
A collective surge is necessary in favor of the protection of civilians in Sudan. This is primarily the responsibility of the parties to the conflict.
The Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces must respect their commitments contained in the Jeddah Declaration. France supports the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure its implementation. France also recalls the requests contained in the Declaration of Principles adopted on the occasion of the Paris Conference of April 15, 2024, which notably made it possible to mobilize more than 2 billion euros in humanitarian financial commitments.
We remain determined to act without delay to implement the recommendations of the Secretary-General in his report of October 18. In this regard, we regret the veto by the Russian Federation of the draft resolution proposed by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone on November 18.
Mr President,
An immediate ceasefire is essential to put an end to the suffering of the populations, the spread of famine in Sudan and the consequences on displaced populations and refugees in neighboring countries. Only an inclusive political process, involving all parties and the whole of civil society, will make it possible to find a lasting political solution to the conflict, while respecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people and the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.
France will remain mobilized to achieve this and reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra.
Thank you.
