YouSaid · the spoken record

Perthes

lines on the record: 151
first: 2021-09-14
most recent: 2023-09-13
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“And indeed, since I last briefed the Council on this subject in March, some positive steps have been taken in that regard. From late March through today, the Sudanese authorities have released 86 detainees, including high-profile officials affiliated with the work of the Committee to Dismantle the 30 June 1989 Regime and Retrieve Public Funds, and violence by security forces against protesters appears to have decreased overall, even if violations, regretfully, still occur. I have commended the recent release of detainees as an important step towards creating conducive conditions and rebuilding trust. However, approximately 110 persons reportedly remain in detention in Khartoum, Port Sudan and elsewhere. On Saturday, another protester was killed by security forces.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“Mr. Perthes: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Security Council once again on the situation in the Sudan. Since I last briefed the Council (see S/PV.9006), the overall situation has remained precarious, with much at stake, including the Sudan’s political, social and economic stability. Time is short for the Sudanese to reach a political solution to forge a way out of this crisis. Following the establishment of a trilateral mechanism to facilitate intra-Sudanese talks, the African Union (AU), envoys from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and I have stated that those talks can succeed only in a conducive environment. We have also said that it is up to the Sudanese, particularly the authorities, to create that environment.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“Our commitment and support to the Sudanese people is unwavering. I would like to thank the Council for its support for our endeavours at this critical juncture. I also wish to thank my colleagues in the African Union and IGAD, Special Envoy El Hacen Lebatt and Special Envoy Ismail Wais for their fruitful collaboration to date.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“The international community has also been playing a critical supportive role, both in the consultations and now in our preparations for the upcoming talks. I thank them and look forward to that continued support. In conclusion, let me say that the stakes are high. The aspirations of Sudanese women and men for a prosperous, civilian-led, democratic future are at risk. Unless the current trajectory is corrected, the country will head towards an economic and security collapse and significant humanitarian suffering. All Sudanese stakeholders will therefore need to be prepared to make compromises in the interests of the people and for the sake of stability and prosperity. I am encouraged by the desire of the Sudanese to reach agreement and the wide-ranging consensus that has crystallized on several key principles during our consultations.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“That will entail, primarily, three things: an end to violence and establishment of the right to hold peaceful demonstrations; the release of political detainees; and a firm commitment to phase out the current emergency status in the country. AU Special Envoy El Hacen Lebatt and I have been conveying those messages both publicly and also directly and privately to the military leadership and all stakeholders. I have been informed over the weekend that the military is now studying some confidence-building measures that, if implemented, could indeed enhance the environment for political talks. We are coordinating closely with respected Sudanese interlocutors, who are working diligently and constructively to help foster consensus stakeholders on a way forward.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“While the focus of the next phase will be on addressing immediate issues, a separate process will be needed to discuss mid- and longer-term issues, including a permanent constitution, levels of governance, centre-periphery relations, equitable wealth-sharing, and peace agreements and their implementation. Hopefully such a longer-term process can subsequently be led under the auspices of a domestically accepted Prime Minister and Government. The upcoming talks, however, have a narrow and clearly defined aim: to return to constitutional order and the transition, with an empowered civilian- led Government to steer the country through the transitional period and address the critical priorities. If those political talks are to have a chance of succeeding, favourable conditions and a conducive environment must be created.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“We expect to start an intensive phase of talks in the next couple of weeks, fully recognizing that it will be during the holy month of Ramadan. We anticipate that stakeholders will participate in the month’s spirit of peace and forgiveness. Over the past two weeks, our three organizations — UNITAMS, the AU and IGAD — have been working robustly to agree on a common approach and lay the ground for that process, including by holding individual and joint consultations with some of the key stakeholders. Many of those stakeholders have emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for a speedy yet sound resolution. We share that concern and will undertake all efforts together to advance that process.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Our common intention is to facilitate an inclusive Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led political process with the full and meaningful participation of women, focusing on a limited number of urgent priorities required to address the current crisis and restore constitutional order. Based on the outcome of our initial consultations, we jointly consider those priorities to include, first, interim constitutional arrangements, including the executive, legislative and judicial organs of the transitions, as well as their structure and functions; secondly, the criteria and mechanisms to appoint a Prime Minister and a cabinet; thirdly, a road map for the transitional period and a Government programme focusing on an achievable set of priority areas; including, fourthly, the type, timing and necessary conditions for elections at the end of that period.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“All of that is remarkable in the light of the political divisions that have paralysed the country in the past couple of months. As one Sudanese commentator remarked, the UNITAMS-led consultations have shown the Sudanese that they agree on more substantial points than they are aware of. I am pleased to announce to the Council that the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have agreed to join efforts in supporting the Sudan through the next phase of the political process, drawing on our comparative advantages and respective strengths.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“There was wide-reaching agreement on the need to reconsider the role, size and membership of the Sovereign Council and for the meaningful representation of women in transitional institutions at a minimum of 40 per cent in transitional institutions, as well as for mechanisms to advance women’s rights. There is overarching consensus on the need for one unified professional army, for judicial entities to be established and for the creation of conditions for credible elections, as well as for an inclusive constitutional process. There was also significant agreement around the need for robust engagement by the international community in support of the political transition, including the possibility of serving as guarantors for any agreement.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“The report on those consultations, published on 28 February, provides a summary of the opinions and areas of convergence and divergence shared with the Mission in more than 100 consultation meetings with more than 800 participants and more than 80 written submissions. We heard from the military, political parties, armed movements, civil society, women’s groups, resistance committees, young people, Sufi leaders, the business community, nomads, internally displaced persons, the diaspora and other State and non-State actors. Participants came from all parts of the Sudan and one-third of the participants were women. Encouragingly, consensus was visible on many issues, including the need for an end to the violence, for a technocratic Government or a Government of experts and for a transitional legislative council.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Some interlocutors expressed concern that if a political solution is not found, the Sudan could descend into conflict and divisions, as seen in Libya, Yemen and elsewhere, in a region already beset by instability. Let me herewith move to our own UNITAMS good offices function. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Hamdok on 2 January, UNITAMS launched intensive consultations on a political process for the Sudan. I have previously briefed the Council about the beginning of those consultations (see S/PV.8925), which were held over a five-week period to hear Sudanese views on a way out of the crisis and the restoration of a credible democratic transition.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“In response to this pattern of sexual violence against women, the Working Group on Sexual Violence — which comprises the United Nations, local civil society partners and the Government’s Unit for Combating Violence against Women, under the Ministry of Social Affairs — continues to meet regularly to coordinate and strengthen responses to sexual violence. That included a meeting with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict earlier this month. Government committees to investigate allegations of violations have yet to produce visible results. More recently, there have also been disturbing reports of increased tensions between and within the various security forces.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“We welcome the invitation by the Sudanese authorities to human rights expert Adama Dieng in February and the access he was granted to high-profile detainees. We hope that the authorities will continue to engage with him. It is of particular concern that women continue to be targeted and subjected to violence and intimidation by members of the security forces. As of 22 March, 16 women had reportedly been raped during protests in Khartoum. Those cases have rightly triggered public condemnation and mobilized groups across society.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Let me just say here that I fully support the request of the Government of the Sudan, which we heard earlier, that measures to implement disarmament, demobilization and reintegration for returning fighters or for fighters who have to be dismissed from armed groups should be supported internationally. Demands for an end to military rule continue, with frequent protests in Khartoum and elsewhere. At the same time, protesters continued to be killed or suffer serious injury from live ammunition. Since late December, arrests have increasingly targeted protest leaders, resistance committee members and political leaders on criminal charges. Many have been denied access to family or lawyers for weeks.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“The Permanent Ceasefire Committee is confronted by exaggerated expectations, however, both from the armed groups, in terms of the support we can give, and from civilians. Clearly, the role and mandate of the Committee are limited and remain distinct from the protection of civilians. We have therefore welcomed recent steps by the Government and the signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement to begin the training for and standing up of the joint security-keeping force. A first batch of approximately 2,000 members of the signatory armed groups and movements are currently being trained by the Sudanese Armed Forces as the kernel of this eventually 12,000-strong force. Combined with local peacebuilding efforts, which will need international support, those steps can help to prevent or stop violence and strengthen the protection of civilians.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“According to local reports, the conflict there is also about control over gold resources. I have repeatedly urged the authorities to take the necessary measures to help prevent further conflict. We, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS), are supporting the implementation of security arrangements in Darfur, through the Darfur Permanent Ceasefire Committee, which UNITAMS chairs. The Committee indeed contributes to stability. It has been able to address some incidents among the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement. It has also recently been able to inspect assembly areas of armed groups moving out of cities, following a decree from General Al-Burhan earlier this year.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“The combined effects of the conflict, economic crisis and poor harvests will likely double the number of people facing acute hunger to approximately 18 million by the end of this year. In the absence of a political solution to the crisis, the security situation has also worsened across the country. Crime and lawlessness are on the rise and intercommunal conflict in Darfur has intensified. More concretely, farmers have been dispossessed of their land through violent attacks. Assets have been looted. Villages have been burned. Women from all parts of the country report deepening concerns about their own safety, even in broad daylight. In the most recent violence this month, at least 48 people were killed and more than 12,000 were displaced in what is being described as intercommunal conflict in Jebel Moon in West Darfur.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Moreover, the Sudan is at risk of missing critical World Bank and IMF deadlines for international economic and financial support and the realization of some $50 billion in debt relief, which the Sudan was well on its path to receive after reaching the heavily indebted poor countries decision point last June. Notably, protests in Khartoum and other places, while they are still generally political — that is, anti-coup — are gradually attaining an additional socioeconomic character, with more and louder slogans denouncing rising bread prices and deteriorating living conditions. International humanitarian assistance has continued and has never been paused. The number of Sudanese in need is growing.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Let me begin with the economic developments. On 7 March this year, the Central Bank announced the floating of the currency. In the following three weeks, the value of the Sudanese pound has fallen by 45 per cent against the United States dollar. At the same time, there have been dramatic price increases for, among other things, bread, fuel, electricity, health care and public transport. The Sudan also risks losing out on billions in external support as disbursements from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other major donors have been paused and will continue to be paused for so long as no functional Government is in place. No foreign investment is coming in and exports have dwindled.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Mr. Perthes: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council again on the situation in the Sudan. Unfortunately, since the last briefing to the Council in January (S/PV.8948), the situation in the Sudan has not improved. The country has been without a functioning Government since the coup d’état of 25 October 2021. Protests against the coup d’état and the violent repression of such protests continue and, as a result, in the absence of political agreement to return to an accepted transitional path, the economic situation, the humanitarian situation and the security situation are deteriorating. Time is not on the Sudan’s side. I speak to Council members today with a sense of urgency, which is also increasingly being felt by Sudanese stakeholders concerned about the stability and the very existence of their country.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the continued commitment of UNITAMS to supporting the Sudanese people to realize these aspirations and to thank the Security Council for its support in our endeavours.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Organizing an election in the Sudan will be a complex undertaking, and the United Nations looks forward to cooperation and collaboration with international partners. I wish to underline the importance of continued support for the Mission and full realization of its field network in order to enable our efforts across conflict-affected areas of the country. The Sudanese men and women’s unwavering commitment to realizing civilian-led democratic governance cannot be overlooked. They have sacrificed immensely to realize their aspirations of freedom, peace and justice enshrined in a civilian-led democratic State. They have remained — and seem to remain — steadfast in their resolve.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“The main areas of the Mission’s effort remain relevant and, in some cases, have been accelerated. In addition to redoubling our good-offices efforts, the work of UNITAMS on human rights and its support for the protection of civilians are even more critical in this volatile period and will be strengthened. The Darfur permanent ceasefire mechanism, which is chaired by UNITAMS, has been active throughout this period, with the support, by the way, of both the military component and the armed groups that have signed onto the Juba Peace Agreement. The United Nations in the Sudan also stands ready to support a credible and inclusive constitutional process and elections once a road map for these processes is agreed.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Sudanese authorities must of course demonstrate their commitment to returning to a credible constitutional order in order to regain the trust of the international community with a view to resuming international financial assistance. At the same time, I would like to urge Council members and the broader international community to take a balanced approach — not to pause aid for too long and to consider the speedy resumption of funding in some areas, particularly support for health services and livelihoods, so as to ensure that the Sudanese people do not continue to bear the brunt of the political crisis. I thank the Council for its sustained support of UNITAMS, which continues to discharge its mandate in the context of the challenges facing the Sudan.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“In the aftermath of the coup, the decision by donors to pause international development assistance is having a significant impact on the livelihoods of the Sudanese people and risks rolling back the hard-won achievements of the past two years. Humanitarian activities are ongoing, although some humanitarian services that are provided through Government mechanisms, such as health-related services, have been disrupted. United Nations development activities remain heavily affected, thereby deepening vulnerability and humanitarian needs. One of the key programmes affected is the family support programme, which was expected to provide cash transfers to over 11 million vulnerable Sudanese.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“In Darfur this year, about eight times as many people have been displaced than were displaced last year. The persistent insecurity in Darfur underscores the need to prioritize the protection of civilians and swiftly implement the provisions of the Juba Peace Agreement. The formation and deployment of the joint security-keeping force and operationalization of the National Plan for Protection of Civilians should be undertaken without delay. The situation in the east will also remain unstable if a political solution is not found soon. It is important for Sudanese authorities to fulfil their primary responsibility to protect civilians across its territories irrespective of the political crisis.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“My team and I regularly meet with women’s groups from across the Sudan to hear their political and security concerns. Their message is clear: there can be no going back on the hard-earned gains on women’s rights, and they are asking for the international community’s support in this regard. We — UNITAMS — will be closely following all the foregoing critical indicators and report on them. Outside of Khartoum, the security situation remains fragile. I am deeply concerned at the resurgence of intercommunal conflicts and armed banditry in Darfur, Blue Nile and the Kordofans. The United Nations has received reports of a significant rise in the killing of civilians, destruction of property and displacements, and sexual violence against women and girls.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Indicators for such a conducive atmosphere will include the establishment of an independent electoral commission, the adoption of an inclusive political parties law, the freedom of political parties and movements to organize, campaign and enjoy access to the media, and the guarantee of human rights. Recent events have also underlined the lack of functioning justice institutions and the gap they leave in addressing and preventing serious human rights violations. Moreover, the Transitional Legislative Council — with 40 per cent women, as stipulated in the Constitutional Declaration — has yet to be formed. I continue to call upon the Sudanese authorities to guarantee the meaningful participation of women in the political process and the yet-to-be-formed Government as well as all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the current crisis.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Three important short-term indicators will be, first, the ability of the Prime Minister to freely form his technocratic Cabinet according to the provisions of the constitutional document, secondly, the lifting of the state of emergency, and, thirdly, the restoration of the freedom of the press. Over the next few months, the main indicator for a return to a democratic transition path will be the restoration of political space. This is particularly important in the light of the professed goal by political and military leaders to hold free and fair elections, possibly even earlier than originally planned. The authorities will need to ensure an atmosphere conducive to credible elections, which the United Nations and other international actors can then support.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“For the immediate term, the main indicator has been the release of all political detainees, cessation of arbitrary arrests and the guarantee of the right to peaceful protest and assembly. Almost all civilians arrested since the coup have now been released, which is a welcome step. Temporary arbitrary arrests are reportedly continuing, particularly during ongoing demonstrations. Both military and civilian leaders have promised to investigate the use of deadly violence against demonstrators. Accountability for human rights violations perpetrated since 25 October will therefore be seen as a critical indicator for progress and could help to rebuild confidence.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“I have been undertaking extensive consultations to determine the scope and modalities of our engagement. The Sudan’s military and political leaders will primarily have to rebuild trust with their own domestic public, particularly with the young generation. Immediate confidence-building measures and a visible commitment to bringing the country back onto a democratic transition path will be key. Similarly, Sudanese authorities will need to take demonstrable steps to regain financial, economic and political support from the international community. Progress in this respect can be measured against a small number of clear and generally acceptable short- and medium- term indicators.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Similarly, while the proposed formation of a technocratic Cabinet could be a step towards advancing the transition, it can also create a constitutional challenge if not based on consultations with the Forces for Freedom and Change. Those and other decisions are being discussed against the backdrop of the ongoing state of emergency that Lieutenant General Al-Burhan declared on 25 October. Addressing those and other fundamental issues will require dialogue and, eventually, consensus. We have made clear that the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) is prepared to facilitate an inclusive dialogue, both to address unresolved issues for the transitional period and to deal with broader constitutional questions as part of the constitution-making process.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“In my recent meetings with Lieutenant General Al-Burhan and the Prime Minister, I urged that unilateral decisions made in the aftermath of the coup that go against the Constitutional Document be reversed or addressed in ways that rebuild trust among the Sudanese. That includes unilateral appointments by the military leadership. Among other things, the 21 November agreement stipulates the formulation of a political declaration, which would likely entail constitutional amendments. There are ongoing attempts within and around some political parties and movements to reach an inclusive agreement. Other political forces are open to dialogue, but not on the basis of the 21 November agreement. A lack of inclusivity and consensus could cause further fragmentation.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“The resistance committees, in particular, are determined to continue their protests to reclaim the revolution and push for civilian rule. While the overwhelming majority of protesters remain peaceful, small groups who are using violence have recently appeared. The military takeover has exposed and deepened the mistrust between the military and civilian components and within the civilian component itself. The 21 November agreement has not led to a rebuilding of lost trust. Forthcoming decisions on the formation of the Government, high-level appointments and the establishment of transitional institutions will test the will and the ability of the stakeholders to seek a common way out of the crisis.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Against that backdrop, I cautiously welcomed the 21 November political agreement between Prime Minister Hamdok and Lieutenant General Al-Burhan, which was reached after weeks of domestic and international efforts to find a way out of the crisis. The agreement is far from perfect, but it can help to avoid further bloodshed and provide a step towards comprehensive dialogue and a return to constitutional order. The agreement faces significant opposition from a large segment of Sudanese stakeholders, including parties and associations within the Forces for Freedom and Change, resistance committees, civil society organizations and women’s groups. I met with those and other stakeholders. Many feel betrayed by the coup, and they now reject any negotiations or partnership with the military.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Mr. Perthes: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Security Council again on the situation in the Sudan. In the past six weeks, the Sudan’s political transition has been undergoing its greatest crisis to date. That crisis is not over yet, but discussions on a way forward have begun. The military takeover of 25 October and the arrests of Prime Minister Hamdok, senior officials and political activists triggered widespread protests and condemnation. At least 44 people were killed, and hundreds have been injured as a result of the excessive use of force by security forces. That has deepened the crisis and mobilized the so-called “street”, which continues to organize regular mass demonstrations.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“The Sudan’s challenges are immense, and the United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the State and society in addressing those challenges and realizing the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable and democratic Sudan. We count on the robust backing of the Council as we navigate the path forward.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“It will not include an active United Nations field monitoring role, recognizing that such responsibility is primarily a function for the Sudanese parties. Other priorities where we need additional resources pertain to my good offices function, where the need to deliver simultaneously on support for the peace talks and key transitional activities is straining our capacity. Moreover, we need to address gaps in the Mission’s field network in critical hotspots, including in support of the Sudanese Police Force and with regard to critical operational and security enablers. By filling critical gaps in what remains a modestly sized mission, I hope we can effectively respond to the evolving needs of the transition in the Sudan.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“However, UNITAMS has also identified several critical gaps where the Mission will require additional capacity to provide scalable support, as expected by the Council. That applies in particular to the task of ceasefire monitoring in Darfur, For now, we have deployed a multidisciplinary advance team to support the operationalization of the Ceasefire Committee. We are recommending to the Secretary-General the establishment of an initial operational capability to allow UNITAMS to fulfil its roles as the Chair of the Permanent Ceasefire Committee, secretariat and Chair of the sectoral and area committees across Darfur’s five states. The concept for that deployment will be light and mobile, with a focus on facilitation and advisory functions and the capacity to deploy small teams to react to ceasefire violations when requested by the parties.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“I was encouraged that, on 5 September, the Sudanese Government convened the first high-level meeting of the Sudan’s international partners with the national mechanism for the protection of civilians. Challenges, advances and needs in implementing the national plan were clearly expressed. On the same basis, our UNITAMS Police Advisory Unit then convened a joint workshop with the Sudanese Police Force to identify the needs and strengthen the capacities of the police for the protection of civilians, community policing and other tasks, as well as to garner support from the international community. UNITAMS has continued its efforts to maximize its impact in the priority areas through refocused Mission capacities. We have also accelerated our recruitment and deployment efforts and intensified cooperation with the United Nations country team.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“However, the Sudan also needs to assume its own responsibility and begin implementing the security arrangements and reforms to gain such international support. The expectations of the Permanent Ceasefire Committee are high and partially misplaced, particularly concerning the protection of civilians. While the Committee can contribute positively to stability in Darfur, its role and mandate remain distinct. The Permanent Ceasefire Committee is about monitoring, reporting and trying to mediate and reconcile the parties, but it is not about physical protection. The recent resurgence in intercommunal violence in Darfur therefore demonstrates the urgency of supporting the Sudanese police and of deploying the joint security keeping forces. The Ceasefire Committee is not, and cannot be, a substitute for those forces and their protection mandate.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“By chairing the Committee, UNITAMS will follow the provisions of the Juba Peace Agreement. The signatory parties will have to extend the necessary commitment so that the Committee can effectively fulfil its mandate. The parties — most Government and armed groups — have clearly conveyed to UNITAMS that they expect logistical and financial support from the international community for the implementation of the security arrangements. Indeed, if Member States want security to be stabilized in Darfur, they should not shy away from making resources available for, among other things, the training and support of the planned joint security keeping forces, the police and the demobilization and reintegration of fighters.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“According to those decrees and in line with the Juba Peace Agreement, UNITAMS will serve as the Chair of those committees. We have consequently begun to operationalize the Permanent Ceasefire Committee, starting with technical consultations on 5 and 6 September in Khartoum, which brought together all members of the Ceasefire Committee from the military, the armed groups and other key stakeholders to discuss concrete modalities for implementing a meaningful ceasefire mechanism. Preparatory meetings were also held with the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, civil society, women’s groups and the United Nations country team. Women’s participation in the implementation of security arrangements remains a key concern and one of the conditions for the legitimacy and effectiveness of any ceasefire arrangement.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“We continue to engage both parties to advance the process and look forward to a return to talks in the near future. In that context, alongside UN-Women and the United Nations Development Programme, UNITAMS facilitated the establishment of a gender working group to mainstream gender into the peace talks, including a women observers group inside the negotiation chamber. In resolution 2579 (2021), the Council emphasized ceasefire monitoring in Darfur as a priority area for UNITAMS support to the Sudan. That is in line with the Juba Peace Agreement. On 30 June, the Chairperson of the Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, issued a series of decrees by which the Permanent Ceasefire Committee for Darfur and sectoral committees for the five states of Darfur were established.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Moreover, the tensions between the Sudan and Ethiopia over the Fashaqah border, as well as the stalemate over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, are persisting. I continue to urge all stakeholders to avoid further unnecessary escalation. Following the Council’s adoption of resolution 2579 (2021), UNITAMS has moved to refocus its efforts on the priority areas identified by the Council, including peace talks, ceasefire monitoring and support to the National Plan for the Protection of Civilians. In June, working closely with the mediator, South Sudan, UNITAMS facilitated negotiations between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Al-Hilu faction and the Government. Both sides made significant progress on key elements, yet they were unable to reach an agreement on a framework.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian organizations in the Sudan are advocating for timely and flexible funding, as humanitarian needs, largely driven by the economic crisis and increased intercommunal conflict, continue to rise. Between January and August this year, approximately 418,000 people were newly displaced as a result of conflicts and armed attacks across the Sudan, mainly in Darfur, parts of Kordofan and the Blue Nile states. That is approximately six times as many newly displaced persons as in the same period last year. On the regional front, I remain concerned about the impact of the conflict in Ethiopia on the Sudan, including the flow of refugees from Ethiopia to the Sudan, which the Sudan is dealing with in a very constructive way.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) stands ready to provide technical support at the request of the Sudanese. The Sudan’s continued economic reforms allowed it, on 29 June, to reach the so-called decision point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, thereby becoming eligible for debt relief. That is very important, as it will unlock critical financial resources to strengthen the Sudan’s economy and improve social conditions. The Sudan must ensure that the most vulnerable segments of Sudanese society are protected. I also commend the launch of the Sudanese Partnership Forum under Prime Minister Hamdok’s leadership on 9 September, which should facilitate the coordination and alignment of development and humanitarian assistance between the State of the Sudan and its donors.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“That is a welcome development that I hope will also lead to a swift formation of the Transitional Legislative Council with, as agreed in the Constitutional Document, at least 40 per cent women’s participation. There is also growing momentum to move forward on the preparations for constitution-making and elections. The Government has produced a draft law on the constitution-making process, which will now be subject to public consultations. The United Nations is providing technical support to the process, as well as on the drafting of the law on the national electoral commission. In line with the Prime Minister’s initiative and the Juba Peace Agreement, I continue to encourage an inclusive dialogue on a road map for military and security sector reform.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“In June, Prime Minister Hamdok launched a political initiative entitled “The National Crisis and Transition Issues — The Way Forward.” In August, he established a follow-up mechanism, a form of Sudan-Sudan dialogue, to reinvigorate and shape national consensus around key transitional objectives, including the reform of the military and security sector, the economy, justice and peace. The initiative enjoys broad support among the forces backing the transition and, if implemented, it can address expectations of the Sudanese people. Just last week, the Forces for Freedom and Change — the ruling coalition in the transitional Government — agreed on a reformed and more inclusive structure.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source