New York, NY – At a UN Security Council (UNSC) high-level briefing on Sudan, held yesterday in New York, member states heard from the Darfur Women Action Group, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA) on the brutal impacts of the war on civilians.

With more than 11 million people displaced since April 2023, and more than 750,000 facing the highest levels of famine conditions, Sudan now represents the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis. Following the UNSC briefing, and condemnation of the attacks by UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Women’s Refugee Commission Advocacy Officer Sadia Kidwai issued the following statement:

“The Women’s Refugee Commission welcomes the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General for the protection of civilians in Sudan, and echoes calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and immediate steps to ensure the protection of civilians. The conflict has been particularly devastating for women and girls, who bear the brunt of starvation, repeated displacement, and widespread sexual violence.

“Our recent report, In Her Own Words: Voices of Sudan, found that Sudanese women continue to be sidelined from decision-making at local, national, and international levels, despite being on the front lines of humanitarian response and community service during the crisis. We urge all member states to prioritize the protection of women and girls, rapidly increase funding to women-led organizations, and ensure the meaningful and sustained participation of women in all ceasefire and peace negotiations.”

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