Thank you Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply alarmed by the imminent threat of a RSF assault on El Obeid.

We align ourselves with the statements delivered by the EU and the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan.  

We are deeply alarmed by the imminent threat of a RSF assault on El Obeid. 

We would like to highlight one aspect of this crisis: The unacceptable pervasiveness of conflict related sexual violence in Sudan. 

Sexual violence used as a weapon of war, is a serious violation of international law, and may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. Such violations must stop. 

We call on all conflict parties to cease all forms of sexual and gender based violence. We call for a survivor-centered response with access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support.

Holding perpetrators accountable lays the foundation for justice and sustainable peace and we will continue to support accountability efforts such as the Fact Finding Mission. 

But more importantly, we must prevent the terrible harm inflicted on civilians in El Fasher, from also befalling the civilians of El Obeid. We urge all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and those with influence over the parties to use that influence now, to prevent further atrocities and destruction. 

Thank you.