STATEMENT by the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community on the crisis in Sudan

The Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community is gravely alarmed by the escalating conflict, immense suffering, displacement, tragic loss of life, and dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

We stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and condemn in the strongest terms, the widespread atrocities, including mass killings and systematic sexual violence against civilians, including those perpetrated during the recent conflict in El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias in Darfur. These abuses, including rape and abduction, violate international law, directly oppose the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe. There can be no impunity for these crimes. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) supports the work of international investigative bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.

CARICOM calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, and ensure the safe, unhindered passage of humanitarian aid. The deliberate obstruction of relief, fuelling a man-made famine, constitutes a grave breach of international law and must cease immediately. We also urge all parties to respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan.

We strongly urge the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to take concrete action. This must include the immediate enforcement of a comprehensive arms embargo and the redoubling of efforts to secure a sustainable, civilian-led political solution.