Yvette Cooper has emphasized the global failure to comprehend the critical nature of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, where reports detail mass killings, starvation, and the use of rape as a weapon of war.
The Foreign Secretary denounced the disturbing events in the Darfur region following the takeover by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in el-Fasher. An estimated 260,000 individuals, including a significant number of children, are trapped in dire conditions akin to famine, isolated from aid and confronted with life-threatening violence.
During a summit in Bahrain, Ms. Cooper, alongside foreign ministers from Germany and Jordan, urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the ongoing civil conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military since 2023.
In a subsequent interview with the Sunday Mirror, she stressed the need for world leaders to prioritize ending the conflict in Sudan with the same vigor as other crises. Cooper highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis affecting approximately 8 million individuals, equivalent to the population of London, underscoring the lack of urgency in addressing the situation.
She called for renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire, provide humanitarian assistance, and safeguard civilians, particularly women and girls, from the atrocities and violence perpetrated in the region.
Yesterday, Ms. Cooper announced a £5 million commitment from the UK for emergency aid, including provisions for food and medical supplies, with £2 million specifically allocated to aid survivors of sexual violence.
The Foreign Secretary expressed concern over the regression in progress on protecting women during conflicts since the passing of a UN resolution 25 years ago. She emphasized the importance of refocusing efforts on combating violence against women and girls within the context of international cooperation and foreign policy.