At a meeting of the United Nations in Geneva on Monday, representatives from several countries, including Morocco, conveyed serious concerns regarding the worsening food crisis and imminent risk of famine in Sudan.
The Permanent Mission of Morocco to the United Nations in Geneva issued a joint statement with several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Mauritania, Chad, Comoros Islands, Guinea Bissau, Seychelles, Senegal, Benin, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Mozambique, and Nigeria, addressing the findings of the “Integrated Food Security Phase Classification” (IPC) report, released on June 27.
The 14-month conflict in Sudan has resulted in the country experiencing its highest levels of food insecurity, with 25.6 million people facing severe conditions and 14 areas on the brink of famine, according to the report’s findings.
The countries underscored a “sharp and rapid decline” in food security, which is significantly impacting civilians, including children.
The statement noted the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) call for the parties to the conflict to facilitate the swift, secure, unrestricted, and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. It also highlighted the necessity for visas and travel authorizations for workers and essential supplies, following the guidelines outlined in resolution 2736, adopted on June 13, 2024.
The joint statement also called on the opposing parties in Sudan to immediately cease hostilities, adhere to international humanitarian law, and comply with relevant Security Council resolutions. It urged all external parties to refrain from providing armed support or material to the opposing parties to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
The international community is “requested to respond promptly to the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan, through increased aid, nutrition interventions, system restoration, and improved data collection,” the 15 countries urged.