Mr President, distinguished colleagues, esteemed human rights defenders.

Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in El Fasher are living through the darkest of days. We have seen reports of ethnically motivated mass killings, conflict-related sexual violence and starvation used as a method of warfare by the Rapid Support Forces. All acts that are prohibited by international law.
These atrocities are being fuelled through supply of arms and funds, worsening the already most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.

The African Union and European Union have voiced grave concerns about the escalating violence – and so has the Netherlands. 
The Netherlands is calling for an immediate end to all human rights violations, respect for international humanitarian law and full compliance with the UN arms embargo.

We need to document and investigate violations, through the fact-finding mission of the Human Rights Council and through the International Criminal Court. Humanitarian support must be increased. The Netherlands contributes in various ways.

I urge UN-member states to do whatever they can in terms of finance and diplomacy.

We cannot stand by and do nothing.

Thank you.