18 November 2024
President
Malta thanks the co-penholders, the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, for their extensive efforts on this resolution. Malta deeply regrets that it was vetoed, when it enjoyed the support of all other Council Members.
Malta voted in favour of this text, which would have requested the development of a compliance mechanism to facilitate the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration commitments.
The draft reflected this Council’s persistent call since the onset of the violence in Sudan: that the SAF and the RSF immediately cease hostilities, and for the two sides to honour and fully implement their commitments to protect civilians.
We further demand the RSF to immediately halt its attacks against civilians, particularly in Darfur, Al Jazirah, and Sennar States. The continued assault by the RSF on El Fasher must stop.
We also remind all Member States of their obligations under the 1591 sanctions regime.
President
The resolution would have sent a strong message to the parties to urgently comply with their obligations under international law, and to ensure that civilians, civilian objects, and humanitarian and medical personnel are not targeted.
Women and girls continue to face deplorable levels of sexual and gender-based violence, while children continue to be victim of violence and abuse.
Perpetrators of such crimes and violations must be held accountable through transparent and independent accountability mechanisms.
We also call on all parties to sustain the passage of humanitarian aid through all available crossline and cross-border routes. In this regard, we welcome the recent decision by the Sudanese authorities to renew a three-month extension of the Adré border crossing.
To conclude, President, we will continue to support Personal Envoy Lamamra and encourage him to continue his coordination with the African Union and other partners.
We remind all stakeholders of the indispensable role that women hold in all levels and stages of dialogue and decision-making. Their work in advancing civilian protection needs and political mediation deserves our continued support.
I thank you.