The United Nations has expressed worries that Sudan’s health care system could completely collapse, while revealing that 16 hospitals across the country have been forced to shut down because of the violence and the attacks on them.
During the Press Briefing on Wednesday over the violence in Sudan, attributed to UN Spokesman, said World Health Organization (WHO) updated that another 16 hospitals could close down soon due to staff fatigue and lack of supplies.
According to the UN Spokesman, “It goes without saying that we condemn all attacks on health personnel, on facilities, ambulances which is putting more lives at risk. These are flagrant violations of international law, and they must stop”, he said.
The fighting which has been going on for days between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has caused people across Sudan to continue sheltering in place, fearing for their lives, and running low on fuel, food, medicine, and water.
He said UN humanitarian colleagues are warning that people in Sudan are running out of food. “They are running out of fuel and they are running out of other vital supplies. Many urgently need medical care.
“We desperately need a humanitarian pause so that wounded and sick civilians can reach hospitals. People in Khartoum have been unable to safely leave their homes to buy food and other essential items for days.
UN Spokesman noted that the humanitarian response in Sudan remains severely hampered. “Attacks against aid workers and looting of humanitarian facilities must stop now. Humanitarians must be able to safely carry out their work. Aid agencies must be able to safely move staff and replenish critical supplies.
The Spokesman said further the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres spoke with President William Ruto of Kenya to discuss the situation in Sudan, also spoke to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki.
According to him, “During that discussion it was decided that the Secretary-General will attend a virtual meeting tomorrow on Sudan, which is convened and bringing together the Chairperson of the African Union,
“The Secretary-General of the Arab League and also the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other relevant organizations.
“Obviously, today he will continue to be fully engaged, making phone calls, trying to secure a 24-hour ceasefire, which will enable a much-needed reprieve to all affected civilians in Khartoum”, he added.
The Spokesman stated that UN Representative in Sudan, Volker Perthes, has continued to engage with the parties, with key Sudanese leaders and Member States in trying to secure immediate de-escalation of the fighting and obviously working in concert with the Secretary-General on the 24-hour ceasefire.
“As you can well imagine, the continued heavy fighting in Sudan is having devastating consequences for Sudanese civilians as well as our staff and other members of the international community, who are caught in the crossfire”.
UN reiterated to the two parties to the conflict that they must respect international law. “They are obliged to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of all United Nations and associated personnel, as well as their premises.
“Our assets and trapped civilians must be able to receive assistance, access essential supplies and evacuate to safer zones as needed. Nearly one third of the population was already in need of humanitarian aid at the start of the year”, he said.