The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations on Sudan on Wednesday to discuss the country’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly in Darfur, Blue Nile and Kordofan, diplomats said.
Denmark and Britain, which coordinate the council’s positions on Sudan, requested the meeting. A representative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is expected to brief council members.
The discussions are likely to focus on the impact of continued fighting on civilians, difficulties in delivering aid and growing food and health needs in conflict-affected areas, MENA reported.
The meeting comes as Denmark assumes the council presidency for August. The programme includes discussions on several African crises and issues related to conflict and regional security, including the use of starvation and food insecurity in conflict zones.
UN reports have highlighted mounting humanitarian pressures in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, including health emergencies and rising cases of disease, amid deteriorating basic services and restricted access for aid workers.
The UN-coordinated humanitarian response includes emergency programmes for people affected by conflict, displacement and climate-related shocks in North Darfur, South Kordofan and other parts of Sudan.
Council members are expected to discuss ways to ensure unimpeded aid access, protect civilians and humanitarian workers, and secure funding for relief operations, amid warnings that the crisis could expand if fighting continues.
