Yvette Cooper emphasized the global failure to recognize the critical nature of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. Reports have surfaced detailing widespread atrocities including mass killings, starvation, and the use of rape as a tactic of war.
The Foreign Secretary denounced the appalling conditions in the Darfur region following the takeover of el-Fasher by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Approximately 260,000 individuals, half of whom are children, are stranded in famine-like circumstances, isolated from aid and confronting grave violence, as stated by the Foreign Office.
During a summit in Bahrain, Ms. Cooper, along with counterparts from Germany and Jordan, urged for an immediate halt to the civil conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military that commenced in 2023.
In a subsequent interview with the Sunday Mirror, Ms. Cooper stressed the need for world leaders to prioritize resolving the conflict in Sudan with the same vigor as other global crises. She highlighted the dire situation affecting around 8 million people facing famine, equivalent to the population of London, yet lamented the lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.
Ms. Cooper called for renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, and safeguard civilians, particularly women and girls, from the rampant violence in Sudan. She announced a £5 million commitment from the UK for emergency assistance, including provisions for food, medical supplies, and support for survivors of sexual violence.
The Foreign Secretary expressed concern over the regression in protecting women during conflicts since a UN resolution passed 25 years ago. She urged for a renewed focus on combating violence against women and girls at the core of international cooperation and foreign policy, building on previous efforts to address such issues.
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