STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 36th special session on the human rights impact
of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan 11 May 2023
Norwegian Statement, as delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway
Check against delivery
11 May 2023
Thank you, Mr. President,
As a part of the core group, Norway welcomes this special session and, as others here today, we strongly condemn the ongoing violence and urge the combatants to agree and adhere to a ceasefire immediately. The fighting must stop now.
The situation for the civilian population is catastrophic, with enormous humanitarian needs and grave human rights violations. Women and children are again likely to pay the heaviest price.
We therefore call on the parties to urgently take measures to fulfill their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and protect all civilians, including children and humanitarian and health workers. The parties must allow and facilitate safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance without delay.
Norway supports all efforts aimed at de-escalating, resolving the situation and responding to humanitarian needs. We stand firmly behind the efforts of the Sudanese people to establish a democratic and peaceful future. There needs to be a resumption of the political process, through dialogue and negotiations, towards the establishment of an inclusive, democratic, transitional civilian-led government.
I Thank you.