Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement.

We thank the core group for taking the initiative for this Special Session on Sudan. The Netherlands strongly supports the decision to enhance the mandate of the High Commissioner’s Designated Expert.

The Netherlands is gravely concerned by the use of violence by both RSF and SAF against civilians and health care workers. An estimated 70% of the hospitals in Khartoum are closed because of targeted attacks and shortage of supplies. The Netherlands strongly condemns these violations of international humanitarian law, preventing people from basic rights, such as access to food, water and care.

The ongoing abuses and violations need to be documented and the evidence collected preserved so that perpetrators on both sides can be held accountable for their crimes.

We urge both the SAF and the RSF to end this conflict immediately and fully abide by ceasefire efforts.

Mr. High-Commissioner,

All efforts should be focussed on ending these human rights and international humanitarian law violations and create safe corridors to provide humanitarian aid. The Netherlands is ready to support all efforts to obtain a solution, and reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Sudan.

Thank you.