Press release from the Government of Sudan regarding the United Nations’ invitation to indirect deliberations in Geneva regarding the humanitarian situation.

Based on its national duty towards its citizens and in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and out of its keenness on cooperation and positive, constructive relations with the United Nations, represented by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, the Government of Sudan agreed to participate in indirect deliberations in the Swiss city of Geneva on the humanitarian situation, in response to the initiative of the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.

The technical delegation of experts representing the Government of Sudan in these deliberations is headed by Ms. Salwa Adam Benia, Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, and the delegation includes representatives of ministries and relevant agencies
Despite the nature of the invitation presented by the Personal Envoy, which refers to indirect discussions and not a negotiation process, the delegation of the Government of Sudan, a few days after its arrival in Geneva, did not receive any agenda or program for these deliberations. The delegation was asked to go to the Palais des Congrès in Geneva, contrary to the indirect nature of the indirect discussions, something that the government delegation did not see as a reason for, and contradicts the understanding about the lack of media publicity for these discussions, which was requested by the personal representative of the Secretary-General.

The Government of Sudan confirms that it does not see a need to establish a new mediation platform, as it remains committed to the Jeddah Platform and its pledges and the necessity of implementing those pledges that were concluded.
The government will also not accept dealing with any alternative or parallel body regarding humanitarian relief other than the government entity responsible for this, which is the Humanitarian Aid Commission and the Supreme Committee for Humanitarian Emergencies.

The Government of Sudan reaffirms its commitment to positive cooperation with the United Nations in everything that will alleviate the suffering of our people and reach a common vision regarding delivering relief to the needy and displaced people in the areas that were affected directly by the repeated and deliberate attacks of the Rapid Support militia, noting that the Government of Sudan is keen to deliver Humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens in the areas where the Rapid Support Militia is present, and it recently facilitated the entry of more than 460 humanitarian relief trucks through the Al-Tina crossing exclusively for its citizens in those areas.

The Government of Sudan renews its call to all local, regional and international parties to work together to achieve peace and stability in the country, and stresses that its commitment to positive cooperation is not only a national duty but also part of its commitment to international humanitarian law and human rights.

The Government of Sudan calls on all citizens and the media to deal responsibly with the technical nature of these deliberations, and not to be carried away by rumors and misleading information spread by anti-Sudan circles, in support of the efforts made to achieve the goals that we all seek, and the Government of Sudan confirms that it is up to the challenge facing the Sudanese people during this difficult stage in its history, where regional and international circles are coming together to undermine its security, sovereignty and unity.

Dr. Graham Abdel Qader
Minister of Culture and Information
The official spokesman for the Government of Sudan