Foreign Secretary Addresses UN General Assembly on Sudan During High-Level Week

Your Excellencies, esteemed colleagues, and dear friends,

Allow me to commence with a sobering reality: More than three years into this conflict, Sudan has emerged as the gravest humanitarian crisis of this century.

Three Urgent Pillars for Action

In light of this dire situation, I identify three critical pillars for urgent action:

• Diplomatic: Advocating for a ceasefire and paving the way for a future transition to a civilian government.
• Humanitarian: Ensuring that aid effectively reaches those most in need.
• Civilian Protection: Promoting restraint and safeguarding civilians while pursuing accountability to combat impunity and deter further violations.

It is crucial to begin by situating our discussion within the current context.

At present, over 33 million individuals require humanitarian assistance—a number surpassing the combined populations of London, New York City, and Paris. This figure is set to escalate, particularly with the impending impacts of El Niño, which threaten to exacerbate hunger levels in Sudan.

Moreover, we must confront a stark reality: the warring factions are intentionally targeting life-saving aid and attacking humanitarian workers. The recent assault on a World Food Programme convoy is merely the latest in a series of shocking incidents.

The Evolution of Conflict: Aerial Warfare

I must emphasise that the nature of this conflict is evolving into increasingly lethal forms. Nowhere is this more evident than in the surge of drone usage.

What once was a ground-based war, confined to active frontlines, is now being conducted from the air, significantly broadening the deadly landscape. It is a grim statistic that, in the first five months of this year alone, drone strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians.

Crucial infrastructure—including hospitals, markets, fuel depots, power stations, and humanitarian supply routes—has come under attack. Sudan is already one of the most perilous environments for humanitarian workers, and the increasing use of drones only heightens the risks they face.

The consequences of this escalation extend beyond humanitarian concerns; they perpetuate the false belief that military means can resolve this conflict. We must assert unequivocally that they cannot.

There is no military solution to the crisis in Sudan. No amount of new weaponry, advanced technology, or external support will alter this fundamental truth.

Addressing the Drone Warfare Crisis

The rise of drone warfare, coupled with the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, necessitates a transformative response from the international community.

New drone capabilities do not emerge spontaneously; they are acquired, financed, transferred, and maintained through networks across multiple nations that continue to exacerbate this war. This reality underscores the importance of renewing the UN sanctions regime.

We commend efforts to bolster this regime, particularly those being led by the United States, to ensure it is aligned with the current dynamics of the conflict.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission Report issued on 3 September is unequivocal, highlighting how external support sustains operations characterised by serious violations and international crimes. The Mission explicitly calls on states to enforce the Darfur arms embargo and to halt the transfer of weapons, drones, components, or military assistance.

Strengthening Accountability and Humanitarian Access

Furthermore, it urges the Security Council to extend the arms embargo throughout Sudan. A mere continuation of the embargo will not suffice; we must seize this opportunity to enhance scrutiny, impose pressure, and establish consequences for those supplying, financing, and perpetuating this conflict.

We must unite in our efforts to compel the warring parties to protect civilians, adhere to international humanitarian law, and facilitate unobstructed humanitarian access.

In practical terms, this entails the cessation of conflicting visa requirements, work permits, and taxation on aid imposed by both factions. It requires the permanent opening of essential humanitarian routes, including the critical Adré border crossing, which is set to expire this month, as well as routes into El Obeid and El Fasher, ensuring that aid can flow at scale.

Earlier this year, we convened as an international community to raise the alarm regarding El Obeid. Fortunately, the feared attack did not materialise, but we must remain vigilant.

A Call to Action for the People of Sudan

The citizens of Sudan cannot afford an escalation of violence. They cannot endure another year marked by bloodshed. Moreover, they cannot bear the burden of an international community that fails to act decisively.

We can issue expressions of concern and calls for peace at grand international gatherings; however, these words are meaningless without accompanying actions.

Let us fortify our practical efforts to de-escalate the conflict, support a ceasefire, and promote a civilian-led political process that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

We must exert tangible pressure to protect civilians, expand humanitarian access, and hold accountable those who profit from and perpetuate this harrowing conflict.

Thank you.