The threat of famine following the spread of conflict in Sudan
The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the ongoing conflict in Sudan and its devastating impact on food security. The resolution highlights the severe threat of famine caused by the violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, with over 7.5 million people forced to flee their homes, making Sudan the country with the largest displaced population globally. Women and children are particularly affected by the severe suffering caused by the displacement and violence. The resolution calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure equitable relief for civilians facing shortages of food, water, and fuel. It also urges the EU to increase emergency funding and sanction those responsible for human rights violations. The Parliament urges external parties to refrain from interfering in the conflict and supports efforts to find a peaceful resolution. It also calls for specific support mechanisms for survivors of sexual violence and for expanded UN arms embargoes in Sudan.
Analysis
The violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces is identified as the primary cause of life-threatening and acute food insecurity affecting 18 million people in Sudan, with 5 million experiencing emergency levels of hunger.
What changes
- The resolution strongly condemns the ongoing violence, human rights violations, and resulting food insecurity, while reminding all factions of their international law obligations.
- It calls for the EU and its Member States to increase emergency funding for humanitarian response in Sudan and neighboring countries, with specific support for survivors of sexual violence.
- The resolution urges the EU to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights violations under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
- It calls on the UN Security Council to sanction violations of the UN arms embargo on Darfur and to extend this embargo to the entire country.
Expected impact
- The conflict has led to severe suffering among over 7.5 million forcibly displaced people, particularly women and children.
- The conflict has resulted in approximately 12,000 deaths and an increase in ethnically motivated attacks, raising the risk of ethnic cleansing and the systematic use of sexual violence.
- The country has the highest rate of child malnutrition globally due to the conflict's exacerbation of shortages of basic supplies and fuel.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution and does not contain specific legislative text that would allow for detailed analysis of amendments to existing legal acts.
- The document does not provide specific details on the implementation mechanisms or timelines for the calls to action.
- The document does not contain annexes or detailed appendices that might offer further technical or procedural information.
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