The UK stands ready to support further strengthening and expanding of this sanctions regime: UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom welcomes the renewal of the Sudan sanctions regime, including the alignment of the Panel of Experts' mandate.

We are grateful to the United States as penholder for facilitating negotiations and to Council members for their engagement.

I will make three points.

First, we welcome the new language in the mandate expressing concern at reports of conflict-related sexual violence.

In their most recent report, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan documented widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, often targeting individuals based on their gender and ethnic identity.

We urge the Committee to sanction perpetrators.

Second, the UK stands ready to support further strengthening and expanding of this sanctions regime.

The conflict continues to intensify, with devastating impact on civilians. This sanctions regime needs to be effective.

This should include tackling the growing use of mercenaries and drones and addressing the expansion of fighting and arms flow into the Kordofan states.

Third, President, we urge all Council members to support the work of the Panel of Experts.

It is regrettable that for many months the Sudan panel's work has been held up by some Council members.

We hope this can now change.

The panel plays a critical role in ensuring that sanctions are effective.

This sanctions regime remains an important tool in the search for peace and security in Sudan and the region.

It can help in the protection of civilians, including by constraining the flow of arms.

We remain committed to working with Council members and regional partners in support of a peaceful future for Sudan.