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Conflict in Sudan: El Fasher
16 May 2024
Lead MP
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Anne-Marie Trevelyan raised concerns about conflict in sudan: el fasher in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Yesterday, the UK published a statement expressing grave concern over violence in El Fasher. In April, the UK led negotiations at the United Nations Security Council to urge de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law. On May 2nd, the Deputy Foreign Secretary called for protection of civilians from 'wilful destruction.' The government is pursuing diplomatic avenues for a permanent ceasefire and calls on regional actors to positively engage in peace talks. Sanctions were announced against three entities linked to warring parties on April 15th. Support continues for the Centre for Information Resilience, which documents atrocities. Efforts are ongoing to ensure Sudanese civilians' voices are heard, including support for the Taqaddum coalition.
Lyn Brown
Lab
West Ham
Question
More than a million civilians face massacre in El Fasher; need international partners with influence over RSF to act now, stop mass atrocities. Every state must recognise Sudan's ongoing collapse is against its best interests. The US has set a red line for an offensive on El Fasher and promises 'direct consequences.' How will the government back this position?
Minister reply
Thanked the hon. Lady for her questions; UK led negotiations at UN Security Council in April, delivered a press statement urging de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law. On May 2nd, called on RSF and SAF to protect civilians from 'wilful destruction.' Working closely with countries and bodies like Gulf partners, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, African Union and the UN for ceasefire. Increased humanitarian assistance and access to protect civilians.
Allan Dorans
SNP
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Question
The UK Government must accept that what is happening in Sudan is genocide; delivered aid but how are they reacting to the growing number of Sudanese civilians facing famine and starvation?
Minister reply
Provided £42.6 million in humanitarian funding in the past financial year, including £12.2 million for UNICEF for life-saving nutrition activities and approximately £23.5 million for the Sudan Humanitarian Fund for a multi-sector response.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Question
UK Government must utilise their position as penholder on Sudan to prevent flow of arms to Rapid Support Forces who continue to flout the UN arms embargo on Darfur.
Minister reply
The UK has a long-standing arms embargo for Sudan and continues to use all diplomatic tools at the UN Security Council and with international partners.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Question
What direct action will His Majesty’s Government take, working with US, UN, AU, etc., to ensure safety of Christians being murdered and forced out of homes?
Minister reply
Working closely with NGOs and UN partners on conflict and atrocity prevention; prioritising atrocity monitoring and reporting.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
The Minister, as Deputy Foreign Secretary's representative, can commit to a meeting with the APPG for Africa on important actions that the British Government can take?
Minister reply
Will try to ensure Alison Blackburne, UK special envoy for the horn of Africa, Sudan and the Red sea, meets with the APPG.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will the Minister outline what further steps the Government can take when vulnerable groups such as the elderly, ill, disabled and civilians are taking to the streets in an attempt to protect their hospitals and themselves against paramilitaries? How can medical aid be provided given that Sudan’s city is on the verge of falling?
Minister reply
The hon. Member highlights the challenge of getting relevant humanitarian access into Sudan where it is needed, with Port Sudan being the primary entry point for relief supplies and limited onward distribution.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
Has the Government raised concerns about Elon Musk potentially shutting down Starlink satellite internet service in Sudan, as warned by nearly 100 humanitarian groups?
Minister reply
The Minister commits to raising this issue with Deputy Foreign Secretary regarding communication lines that are vital for relief efforts.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
What support is being provided to refugees moving from Darfur into Chad, where 500,000-1 million refugees are expected? At the moment, agencies on the ground seem unable to cope.
Minister reply
The Deputy Foreign Secretary recently visited the Chad-Sudan border and saw the humanitarian crisis first-hand. The Government is focused on providing support across every part of this situation.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Does the Minister agree that the Government's response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan does not seem robust enough? What mechanisms are being considered to prevent atrocities, especially ethnic cleansing, from spreading further?
Minister reply
The situation is indeed appalling. The Government supports gathering evidence for holding those committing atrocities accountable and continues to monitor and respond.
Question
Given the escalating atrocity in Sudan, were regional efforts last year to deploy a peacekeeping force rebuffed? Is this option still on the table?
Minister reply
Decisions regarding deployment of peacekeeping forces will be taken with international partners and discussed at meetings of the UN Security Council.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Question
With thousands of women being killed in Sudan's war, what measures are the Government taking to protect women in El Fasher where they comprise over 70% of internally displaced people?
Minister reply
The UK and other international allies have published a statement urging all parties to prevent violence, particularly sexual violence. The Deputy Foreign Secretary is focused on ensuring immediate humanitarian access for women and girls.
Shadow Comment
Lyn Brown
Shadow Comment
More than a million civilians face massacre in El Fasher. The US has set a red line against an offensive on El Fasher and promises 'direct consequences.' We need more pressure from the government on warring parties to achieve immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. Support is needed for resistance committees and emergency rooms.
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