Topic:
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Matthew Matola
11/22/23
Submitted To: United Nations Security Council
From: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Matthew Matola
Subject: The Situation in Sudan
The delegation of Switzerland calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The scope of this conflict and the massive civilian cost warrant immediate further action taken by this council. Switzerland reiterates its support for the extension of the UNITAMS mission until December 3, 2023 and urges the Council to further extend the mandate of this mission. The Sudanese people deserve not only our humanitarian support, but a lasting, concrete solution. Failure to de-escalate this conflict could lead to catastrophic consequences, not just for Sudan, but for the region as a whole.
A UN brokered call for ceasefire would be the most effective first step to preventing further harm to civilians and Sudanese infrastructure. Aiding in the reorganization of the Sudanese government will be a long and arduous process and securing a formal ceasefire is crucial to beginning this work. As long as there is open conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces civilians will continue to be caught in the crossfire and the UN will be greatly restricted in its ability to safely provide humanitarian aid to displaced civilians. Though ceasefires have failed in the past, they are still the most effective way to ensure some means of relief are made accessible to Sudan’s citizens and that refugees are given time to escape conflict zones.
Switzerland remains invested in securing democratic processes and fair elections within Sudan, however, due to the scope of the conflict Switzerland has drastically reduced its direct involvement due to its inability to guarantee the safety of its nationals and NGO groups within Sudan. If the UN wishes to engage in further pro-democracy measures and put Sudan back on the path towards stabilization, a lasting ceasefire must be achieved. A stable, long term, democratic government for Sudan must be promoted, not just to de-escalate this conflict, but also to insure Sudan’s independence and stability in the future.
Switzerland reiterates the importance of humanitarian support during this time of conflict within Sudan. Urban warfare has stricken cities throughout Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, causing massive damage to infrastructure such as roads, power grids, hospitals, and sanitation facilities. Much of the urban population of the capital and the surrounding region have been unable to access clean water, food, and adequate medical supplies for months since the initial fighting began. In light of Sudan’s necessity for these humanitarian services Switzerland emphasizes the reality that without guarantees for the safety of NGO groups and UN humanitarian aid these programs cannot operate as effectively as is needed. Additional ceasefires are crucial to ensuring that these aid groups can safely provide assistance to the people who need it the most, those who remain in active conflict zones. Switzerland continues to actively support the World Food Programme and their efforts within the region.
A lasting peace between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, including each parties’ affiliated militant groups, should be the ideal that this committee aims to achieve. While it may be easier to simply address the humanitarian aspect of this issue, it is impossible to ignore the mounting refugee crisis and the numerous human rights violations committed by the parties involved in this conflict. If we ignore the need for an immediate ceasefire, in tandem with an expansion of humanitarian aid programs, this conflict may continue to expand past the borders of Sudan creating a regional refugee crisis of an unmanageable scale.
Bibliography
“Bilateral Relations Switzerland–South Sudan.” Eidgenössisches Departement Für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA, www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice/south-sudan/switzerland-south-sudan.html#:~:text=Switzerland%20is%20working%20to%20support,peacebuilding%20activities%20in%20South%20Sudan. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.
“Switzerland Supports WFP’s Sudan Crisis Response in Egypt: World Food Programme.” UN World Food Programme, www.wfp.org/news/switzerland-supports-wfps-sudan-crisis-response-egypt. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.
“Switzerland Shuts Embassy in Sudan for Security Reasons.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 24 Apr. 2023, www.reuters.com/world/switzerland-shuts-embassy-sudan-security-reasons-2023-04-24/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.
“Briefing on Sudan.” Switzerland’s Seat in the Security Council 2023-2024, www.aplusforpeace.ch/briefing-sudan-2. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.
