The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, delivered a statement (today) at the ‘High Level Event in Support of Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region’.
The event unfolded in parallel to the enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Sudan, within the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council.
The worsening of the humanitarian situation was discussed at the conference organized in Geneva by the United Nations, in collaboration with Egypt, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the African Union and the European Union.
Donors have committed additional resources to support humanitarian activities in Sudan, where hostilities continue to claim casualties and displacement within and towards neighboring countries.
“Italy supports the mediation efforts undertaken by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the United States and Saudi Arabia, that have led to a temporary interruption of hostilities in Sudan”, stated Ambassador Grassi. “The effective delivery of much needed humanitarian aid will only be possible with a sustained ceasefire. In any case, a political solution to the conflict remains the only way out of this humanitarian catastrophe.”
Sudan represents a priority country for the Italian Development Cooperation, whose activities cover food security, medical care and WASH support for refugees and internally displaced persons.
Italy has pledged an initial contribution of 3.5 million euros in favor of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to be channeled towards humanitarian activities in response to the crisis in the country.
