Sudan conflict: statement from the British Red Cross CEO

Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO:

In the past week, tens of thousands of people have fled the city of El Fasher in Sudan. Many are wounded or separated from their families. Most have not eaten a proper meal in months.

We have heard stories of the unimaginable suffering of civilians, including children in the city, of mass killings and sexual violence. Similar scenes have been recounted in Bara, North Kordofan, where sadly five of our Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) colleagues were killed last week whilst delivering food aid. Tragically this brings the number of SRCS volunteers killed since the start of this conflict to 21, a number that must not rise further.

International humanitarian law, which applies in all armed conflicts, requires that civilians be protected from harm and that humanitarian and medical personnel are respected and safeguarded. Upholding these obligations is essential to ensure that humanitarian actors, such as the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, can deliver neutral, life-saving assistance and alleviate suffering among affected communities.

Despite the risks, the 40,000 staff and volunteers of the SRCS are present in every state and rooted in the very communities they serve. From supporting people fleeing El Fasher with food aid and shelter, to helping to eradicate cholera in Blue Nile state, the SRCS are uniquely placed to tackle the many challenges of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk