September 24, 2026 – New York City, New York – Global Affairs Canada

The Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan (Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Union) today issued the following statement:

“On 24 September, the United Kingdom, on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan, hosted a high-level event during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on protecting civilians and front-line responders in Sudan.

“The event highlighted how the growing use of drones is expanding the reach of hostilities across Sudan and magnifying harm to civilians, including humanitarian workers and other front-line responders. All parties must respect international humanitarian law; take all feasible measures to protect civilians and civilian objects; ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access; and respect and protect humanitarian personnel. Those responsible for violations of international law must be held to account.

“All parties must do all they can to prevent further atrocities. The Coalition remains deeply concerned by indiscriminate attacks on civilians; reports of use of starvation as a method of warfare; sexual and gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women and girls; as well as the destruction of homes, markets, health care facilities, water systems and other essential civilian infrastructure, contributing to acute food insecurity and famine. The destruction and disruption of health care, including maternity care, is placing women and other vulnerable civilians at particular risk. Restrictions on humanitarian access and attacks on humanitarian workers are compounding displacement, hunger and disease, causing profound harm to communities and increasing the risk of further atrocity crimes.

“We commend the courage of humanitarian actors and front-line responders who continue to support and sustain communities across Sudan despite the grave risks they face. They must be protected and allowed to carry out their work safely and without obstruction.

“The Coalition is also deeply concerned by harmful external interference that continues to fuel the conflict and prolong civilian suffering. We call on States and other external actors to cease arming, financing and otherwise enabling the war in Sudan. All States must comply with their obligations under the 1591 Sudan sanctions regime and refrain from actions that fuel the conflict or facilitate further violations of international law.

“Preventing further atrocities must go hand in hand with accountability for violations. The Coalition reaffirms its commitment to pressing all parties to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to respect international human rights law, and to ensuring that those responsible for violations are held to account. We support those working to document violations and abuses, preserve evidence and advance accountability, including before the International Criminal Court.

“The Coalition will continue to work together to prevent further atrocities, strengthen accountability and justice, and advance the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and other front-line responders in Sudan.”