Global Courant 2023-04-20 00:48:20
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is again calling for immediate humanitarian access as fighting continues in Sudan.
Violent clashes continued overnight in the capital Khartoum with reports of increasing civilian casualties. Hospitals in the capital are critically short of medical supplies, while damage to water and energy infrastructure has also left medical facilities without power and clean water.
Public order has also been disrupted in parts of Darfur in recent days. An ICRC office in Nyala has been looted and one vehicle has been captured.
Patrick Youssef, ICRC Regional Director for Africa, said: “It is deeply disturbing to hear reports of civilian casualties and bodies left on the streets of Khartoum. They should be collected and treated with dignity. We immediately call for unfettered humanitarian access.”
“Our urgent priority is to provide medical assistance to hospitals and try to repair their water and power lines so that they can treat the injured. But without the necessary security guarantees needed to move safely, we are still unable to deliver aid and fully assess humanitarian needs.
“The past few days have been terrifying for civilians caught in the crossfire. We call again on the parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law. Citizens and civil infrastructure must be protected at all costs.”
Since fighting broke out over the weekend, the ICRC has received many distress calls from people and organizations seeking evacuation, as well as people trapped in their homes or public places without food and water.
Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers have been able to provide first aid at clinics and hospitals in the capital, but need medical supplies. The ICRC has been able to deliver wounded kits to hospitals in Al Fasher and Zalingei in Darfur.
“My biggest fear is that the healthcare system will collapse and the consequences will be catastrophic,” said Osama Abubakr Osman, Sudanese Red Crescent Director of Communications and Dissemination. “Health care workers are unable to reach hospitals, and hospitals are trying to care for their patients without electricity and water, and are critically short of essential supplies. Our volunteers support medical staff, but the working conditions are extremely difficult.”
Youssef added: “We must remember that this latest spike in violence is the result of years of fighting, instability and economic turmoil that have left millions of Sudanese unable to meet their basic needs.
“This week’s violence will undoubtedly make what was already a complex humanitarian emergency much worse.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
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