The Trilateral Mechanism welcomes signing of Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians of Sudan

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2023 (FBC) – The Trilateral Mechanism of the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD has welcomed the signing of a Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Through its official statement, The Trilateral Mechanism hailed the signing as an important first step toward alleviating human suffering and protecting the lives and dignity of civilians in Sudan.

It urged the parties to immediately exert all effort to translate these commitments to meaningful action on the ground. “To that end, the parties must convey clear and unequivocal instructions to lower ranks to abide by the Declaration of Commitments and facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead.”

The Mechanism also expressed its readiness to support the parties and the convenors of the talks toward the full implementation of the Declaration of Commitments. The Trilateral further stressed the importance of sustained and coordinated support by the broader international community at this critical time.

It further urged the parties to continue engaging with the process constructively and in good faith in order to build on what has been achieved and ultimately reach a permanent cessation of hostilities with a robust monitoring and verification mechanism.

Subsequently, the Mechanism reiterated its conviction that as the talks advance, the meaningful and broad participation of civilian and political stakeholders, including women, is essential.