Lawyers plan to hold conference to address Darfur humanitarian crisis

February 11, 2024 (CAIRO) – The Darfur Lawyers Association, partnering with Sudanese civil society, is organizing a vital conference to address the dire humanitarian situation in Darfur. This follows the region’s isolation after the Rapid Support Forces seized four states, leading to the cessation of humanitarian and commercial convoys.

The conference, expected in the coming weeks, aims to secure safe passage for UN agencies and discuss effective methods of delivering critical aid to areas affected by conflict.

Al-Sadiq Ali Hassan, Vice Chairman of the Darfur Lawyers Association, emphasized the urgency of this initiative. He highlighted the unique plight of Darfur, stating, “While other regions face crises, Darfur suffers an almost complete isolation, coupled with ongoing war and numerous armed groups.”

This isolation has exacerbated existing challenges. Food and commercial supplies have been cut off, the agricultural season was a failure due to insecurity, and crops have been looted.

Al-Sadiq further painted a stark picture of the mass exodus, with families and individuals fleeing Darfur’s war for South Sudan, Central Africa, Chad, Libya, and Egypt.

Speaking at the joint OCHA-UNHCR launch of Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024 on February 7, Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, warned donor countries that Sudanese refugees were heading to Libya and Tunisia and planned to cross to Europe.

“Famine is spreading rapidly in Darfur,” warned Hassan. “This conference is crucial to bring together all stakeholders – Sudanese parties, armed groups, international agencies, and the UN – to find solutions and facilitate immediate aid delivery.”

Both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid Nur have reportedly approved their participation in the conference. Papers are expected to be finalized within three weeks, followed by the announcement of the date and location.

Hassan proposed holding the conference in Cairo, pending approval from Egyptian authorities and visa facilitation for participants.

This initiative comes amid a larger UN appeal for $4.1 billion to address urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, including Darfur. With half the population (25 million) requiring assistance and over 1.5 million displaced, the situation demands immediate and collective action.

 (ST)