Khartoum: The ALPS Coalition has expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan. The coalition's joint statement highlights the severe malnutrition and famine affecting the population and notes significant barriers hindering relief efforts in critical regions.
According to Emirates Press Agency, the ALPS Coalition emphasizes that civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict. The coalition calls for immediate actions by the conflicting parties to safeguard civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The statement urges adherence to international humanitarian law and the commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed in May 2023.
The coalition's appeal includes a demand to lift bureaucratic obstacles obstructing humanitarian activities and to ensure that key supply routes remain open. This involves facilitating humanitarian convoys and personnel through pauses and other necessary arrangements. The coalition highlights the importance of extending the Adre crossing and establishing agreements for the consistent use of crossline routes into Darfur and the Kordofan regions, as well as additional crossings from South Sudan.
The ALPS Coalition insists on the protection of humanitarian workers, ensuring their ability to deliver aid without fear of retaliation, regardless of the controlling party in the area. It calls for safe passage for civilians seeking assistance and the restoration of telecommunications across Sudan. Additionally, it stresses the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly energy, water, and health facilities.
Particularly in North Darfur and the Kordofan region, the coalition sees an urgent need for de-escalation to enable effective aid delivery. It urges the conflict parties to honor their Jeddah Commitments by allowing humanitarian pauses to facilitate the movement of vital supplies and ease civilian movement from danger zones.
The ALPS Coalition strongly reiterates the necessity for full compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes safeguarding civilians, humanitarian personnel, and ensuring rapid and unimpeded access to aid for those in dire need.