Statement on Sudan by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin

This week, the UN warned that in Sudan 18 million people are facing acute hunger, with 5 million close to famine.

As in Gaza, this catastrophe is man-made.

Attacks by the warring military factions on hospitals and aid convoys, closing of borders, refusal of cross line humanitarian access, looting of food stores, and denial of visas and movement permits are all obstructing humanitarian access. The conflict parties and their external sponsors must end these practices, and ensure adherence to their international humanitarian law obligations. Those politically and militarily responsible for all violations must ultimately be held accountable.

Most importantly, we need a ceasefire and peace negotiations which will allow Sudan to restore its democratic transition, interrupted by the 2022 military coup.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of war, Ireland will continue to work within the European Union, and with international partners to help secure a ceasefire. We have advocated for the adoption of EU sanctions targeted at those perpetuating the violence and undermining humanitarian assistance.

Ireland’s direct humanitarian response to the crisis in 2023 amounted to €7.9 million, delivered through partners such as the UN’s Sudan Humanitarian Fund and NGOs such as GOAL, Concern, Plan International, and Trócaire. Ireland has already committed €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund in 2024, a €1 million increase from 2023.