A Chinese envoy stressed on Monday that a ceasefire is the fundamental step toward alleviating the bleak humanitarian situation in conflict-ridden Sudan.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan at the UN headquarters in New York, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the conflict in the African country has lasted for 20 months.
As the fighting rages on, civilian casualties are mounting, the number of displaced people is on the rise, and problems such as food shortages and the frequent outbreak of infectious diseases are worsening, Geng said, calling on the international community to step up humanitarian aid to the country and avoid politicizing humanitarian issues while addressing the root causes of the crisis.
"We must actively address the root causes of the problem. The prolonged conflict is the main cause of the food crisis, as highlighted in the [Famine Review Committee's latest] food security report. This shows once again that a ceasefire is the essential pathway to alleviating the humanitarian situation," said Geng.
"China called on all parties involved in the conflict to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, work towards de-escalating tensions, resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from harm, ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, and avoid crossing the bottom line of international humanitarian law," said the Chinese envoy.
Geng urged the international community to jointly push for a political solution based on full respect for Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and help Sudan restore peace as soon as possible.
Geng said China remains committed to providing support within its capacity and working with the international community to play a constructive role in the early restoration of peace and stability in Sudan.
The armed conflict in Sudan broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023.
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
