PICTURE: PAK UN MISSION
Mumtaz Hussain
NEW YORK: Pakistan has called for an urgent end to the killing of civilians in the ongoing war in Sudan and respect for the international humanitarian law in the war-ravaged African country.
The demand was presented by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Munir Akram at a Security Council briefing on “Protection of civilians” in Sudan following an IPC report on the acute food insecurity there.
The ambassador warned that the war was poised to bring more deaths and destruction for the people of Sudan, adding that both sides should implement the Jeddah Declaration on protection of civilians.
“Pakistan upholds firmly the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan,” he added. The ambassador said that his country strongly condemns the killing of three World Food Program staff members in Sudan on December 19, 2024.
Ambassador Munir Akram was of the view that any scheme that undermined the UN Charter’s principles would further undermine regional and international peace and security.
He also expressed apprehension about the worsening food crisis in Sudan and said that over half of the 24.6 million population in the war-hit country was faced with a hugh level of food insecurity. This could leave a far-reaching impact on the people especially children.
The international community should take urgent measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and bridge the 36pc funding gap for humanitarian appeals relating to Sudan, he added.
The Pakistani envoy also cautioned that the situation should not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention in Sudan. At this point, the world needs to join hands and extend support a bringing peace and normality to Sudan, he added.
Pakistan wants a negotiated settlement to the war in Sudan and would play its role to ensure that peace is restored in that country.
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