Vietnam calls for intensified protection of Sudan civilians

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, has called on Sudan to enhance efforts protecting its civilians and thoroughly solve the root of internal conflicts.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, at the meeting on March 9. Photo: VOV

Quy made the statement at the UN Security Council’s virtual meeting on March 9 discussing the political transition in Sudan with the attendance of the UN Undersecretary-General for the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare, UN Special Representative for Sudan Volker Perthes, and Kholood Khair, managing partner at a think tank in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

Quy and other participants welcomed the steps taken by the state government to protect civilians.

UN Security Council's meeting. Photo: VOV

At the meeting, Atul Khare said “We must work in the Security Council to strengthen the efforts of UNITAMS [the new UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan], including strong mechanisms to protect civilians.”

He also stressed the importance of using UNAMID [the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur] headquarters and holdings for civilian purposes.

“We intend to respond positively to the Government’s request, particularly in order to facilitate a smooth handover”, Mr. Khare said, adding: “Nevertheless, I remain concerned about the continued presence of uniformed personnel in those two sites.”

He called for the importance of making all efforts to overcome the challenges facing the transition and implementing the provisions of the peace agreement, and stressed UN support for the Juba Peace Agreement.

The ongoing transition to democracy began following months of street protests, which led to the overthrow of longstanding leader, President Omar Al-Bashir, in April 2019.

The political transition in Sudan is moving forward, though formation of the legislative council and other important milestones have yet to be achieved.