Joint Nordic statement: Use of the veto on the situation in Sudan
Statement delivered by H.E. Merete Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway
November 26th, 2024
President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway.
We thank you for convening this debate following the veto cast by Russia in the Security Council on 18 November. We also welcome the Security Council’s special report to the General Assembly on the use of the veto.
The Nordics co-sponsored resolution 76/262 on the ‘veto initiative’. We continue to underline the ‘veto initiative’s’ importance as part of efforts to make the Security Council more transparent and accountable.
We are appalled by Russia’s incomprehensible use of the veto. Russia blocked an urgently needed initiative by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and securing access for humanitarian aid. Fourteen members voted in favour. Russia was the only Council member to oppose this call for peace.
President,
The people of Sudan are currently suffering one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Millions are displaced or have fled to neighbouring countries. Famine has been confirmed.
The UN has documented widespread use of violence against civilians by both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The recent terror unleashed in al-Jazira by the RSF stands out as particularly shocking with reports of widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence. Rape has been used in what appears to be systematic revenge attacks against women and girls in particular.
The RSF is also responsible for an ongoing siege of al-Fasher and for the forceful expulsion of ethnic groups in West Darfur. This shows blatant disregard for human life and for international humanitarian law.
The UN has reported that both the SAF and the RSF are responsible for large-scale violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including grave violations against children, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Nordics condemn all forms of violence against civilians in Sudan, both by the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated groups.
The catastrophe now evolving in Sudan is man-made. The responsibility lies upon the warring parties and those fuelling the armed conflict by providing arms and financing. There is no military solution. Sudan needs a ceasefire, negotiations that can secure a sustainable peace and the return to civilian rule. We support inclusive mediation efforts that aim to establish a Sudanese owned and led process and welcome the engagement of the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy Lamamra. Civilian actors including Sudanese women and youth, must be given a platform to meaningfully participate in the peace process. Only a broad and inclusive political process can solve Sudan’s challenges in the long run. All external actors must refrain from fuelling the fire and support Sudan’s path to peace.
We call on the parties to honour their commitments made in Jeddah. All parties must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
There should be no impunity for those responsible for mass atrocities. We support the ongoing work of the International Criminal Court in this regard.
President,
The Council does its work on behalf of all UN Member States. Its decisions affect us all, and it should therefore be held accountable by us all.
As a permanent member of the Council, Russia bears a special responsibility to exercise its veto in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Charter. Last Monday, Russia manifestly failed this responsibility.
The General Assembly may discuss any questions relating to the maintenance of international peace and security brought before it by any Member of the United Nations.
We strongly urge the Security Council to redouble its efforts, to uphold its responsibility and act on the situation as a matter of urgency. Should this not be possible, the General Assembly must act. The situation in Sudan is too dire for the UN to remain silent.
I thank you