Britain calls for UN action on Sudan, boosts humanitarian aid

The United Kingdom is set to push for stronger UN action on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, seeking to rally the support of the UN Security Council to demand an end to the violence and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. On Monday, November 18, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will lead a vote on a resolution co-sponsored by the UK and Sierra Leone, calling for greater civilian protection in Sudan. Lammy, who will be presiding as the president of the Security Council, emphasized the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and the dire need for international support in the region.

“The UK will never let Sudan be forgotten,” Lammy is expected to say, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to the country as it faces a devastating conflict. The UK government also pledged to significantly increase its humanitarian aid to Sudan, with Lammy announcing that Britain would double its support to £226 million (approximately $285 million) to assist those affected by the ongoing violence and displacement.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal power struggle between the country’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and the largest displacement crisis in the world, with millions of Sudanese citizens forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The humanitarian situation has been described as catastrophic, with many facing severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical care.

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the UK is calling for a unified international response to provide vital humanitarian assistance and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UK-Sierra Leone resolution that Lammy will lead in the Security Council will push for a robust commitment from the international community to support peace efforts and protect vulnerable populations, including women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the violence.

The UK’s call for action on Sudan is part of a broader agenda that Lammy will address during the Security Council meeting. In addition to Sudan, Lammy is expected to condemn the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, a situation that has drawn widespread international concern. He will call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and demand the release of hostages held by militant groups. This move reflects the UK’s broader commitment to addressing humanitarian crises around the world and promoting peace in conflict zones.

Furthermore, Lammy will reaffirm Britain’s strong stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s invasion, and Lammy will use his position in the Security Council to reiterate the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the UK has provided substantial military and economic support to Ukraine, and Lammy’s remarks are expected to further emphasize Britain’s determination to stand with the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.

The UK’s efforts to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan come at a time when global attention is focused on multiple international crises, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the war in Ukraine. However, the UK is stressing the importance of not allowing Sudan’s crisis to be overshadowed, as the humanitarian needs in the country continue to grow.

The doubling of UK aid for Sudan is a significant commitment, and Lammy’s leadership in pushing for UN action underscores Britain’s proactive role in addressing global challenges. The resolution, if approved, will send a strong message of solidarity with the people of Sudan and reinforce the international community’s responsibility to take action in the face of mass suffering and displacement.

As the UK seeks Security Council support for its resolution on Sudan, the move highlights the broader global push to address conflicts and humanitarian disasters that require urgent attention. The UK’s leadership, both in terms of financial aid and diplomatic advocacy, underscores its commitment to international peace and stability, as well as its recognition of the need for sustained efforts to resolve crises that affect millions of lives.

In summary, the UK is taking a leading role in calling for decisive action on the Sudan conflict at the UN Security Council. With Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the helm, the UK will seek to secure international backing for civilian protection, humanitarian aid, and an end to the violence. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address global humanitarian crises, including in Gaza and Ukraine, and to ensure that countries in need of assistance are not forgotten on the world stage.