Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on Sudan and South Sudan - April 25th, 2023

Let me begin by thanking for their briefings the Secretary-General, Special Representative Perthes, Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and H.E. Fatima Kyari Mohammed Permanent Observer for the African Union.

I also thank the United Kingdom for requesting today's meeting and welcome the delegations of Sudan, Egypt, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Saudi Arabia and South Africa to this meeting.

Madam President,

We are gravely concerned with the situation in Sudan.

Brazil deplores the violence that erupted on april 15 and the ensuing fighting.

We deeply condemn the threats to millions of civilians caused by the heavy fighting in Khartoum, North and South Darfur, North Kordofan, the Northern State, and Gedaref in the first days of hostilities.

We tracked with apprehension the clashes in Blue Nile, West and Central Darfur, which raised our fears that the conflict had spread to almost every part of the country and ould even spill-over to neighboring nations. We also deplore the many violations of international humanitarian law and the Vienna Convention, including violence perpretated against the personal of humanitarian agencies, diplomatic missions and international organizations.

We reiterate that there must be no politization of the humanitarian assistance, nor selective application of international humanitarian law.

The Sudanese people have faced severe economic hardship in recent months.

Even before the conflict erupted, humanitarian needs across the country were already at record levels.

Sudan's economic crisis is severe.

Therefore, we must not allow the Sudanese people to become embroiled in a conflict with profound, unpredictable effects.

Madam President,

Violence must stop.

We echo the words of the Secretary-General.

The ceasefire negotiated before Eid al-Fitr was a step in the right direction.

The agreement announced yesterday by Secretary Blinken emboldens hopes of halting hostilities.

We appreciate the hard work done by the UN, the African Union, Igad, the Arab League, the united States, Saudi Arabia and all those who have enabled these negotiations to succeed.

We welcome the apparent commitment to a permanent cessation of hostilities and call on both parties to show their willingness to stop the fighting and engage in dialogue.

Madam President,

We should always bear in mind that the Sudanese civil society is the main stakeholder in the current stage in Sudan's road to a transitional administration and a civilian-led, legitimate government.

Before the recent military clashes, Sudan was as close to a comprehensive political deal as it had been since october 2021.

Street protests have been a feature of its cities for many years.

Violent scenes of repression did not discourage the resilient Sudanese who took to the streets.

We thus reiterate our solidarity with the people of Sudan, express our condolences to those who lost loved ones in this senseless conflict, and encourage the Sudanese society to persist on the path toward a civilian-led government.

Madam President,

In the last few days, many Brazilian citizens have left Sudan and are making their way back home in safety. We appreciate the support provided by the UN and other cuntries to that end. It's our great hope that the Sudanese people, including those who had to leave their country, also enjoy peace and safety at their homes.

And I thank you.