Sudanese Human Rights Activists Call on EU Leaders to Support Peace and Stability in Sudan.
An international conference entitled “Fostering Peace and Security in Sudan” was organized by the EPP group, EU human rights organizations, and hosted by MEP Martusciello on July 18th, 2023. The conference aimed to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and how the EU could help the population to stop human rights violations and provide aid.
The event began with a speech by Annarita Patriarca, a member of the House of Representatives in Italy, who highlighted the role of Italy and the EU in supporting the Sudanese population by stopping airstrikes and facilitating a democratic transition to avoid human rights violations and a civil war in the region. Members of the European Parliament who were present, including Francesca Donato, Massimiliano Salini, and Francesca Pepucci, shared a few words with the audience and showed their solidarity and support for Sudanese activists in ending the conflict and providing support to civilians suffering from this humanitarian crisis.
Voices of Sudanese Human Rights Activists and Their Demands
Sudanese human rights activists were invited to provide a feedback regarding the situation in Sudan, along with European human rights experts and Members of the European Parliament. Miss Yosra Ali, head of the Sudan International Human Rights Organization (SIHRO), stated, “We demand an immediate halt to the airstrikes. It is high time for us to take decisive action to protect the rights of Sudanese citizens, to bring an end to the relentless airstrikes, and to dismantle the oppressive regime that continues to threaten our very existence.” Miss Hosain also urged the European Parliament to prevent the Sudan Army from recruiting children into the armed forces.
The Role of Russia and Wagner in the Sudanese Conflict
Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, highlighted the role of Russia and Wagner in the Sudanese conflict and their involvement with the Sudan Army Forces. He emphasized the EU’s response and its contribution to ending the suffering of civilians.
Emphasizing the Plight of Sudanese Women and Children in Conflict
Christine Mirre from CAP Conscience et Libertés emphasized the fact that “Sudanese women face immense challenges in overcoming the consequences of war. They have been betrayed by the Sudan Army Forces, the very forces that were supposed to bring them stability and security. Despite these difficulties, Sudanese women remain determined to make their voices heard in peace-building efforts.” Mrs. Alona Lebedieva, owner of Arum group in Ukraine and Arum Charity Foundation in Brussels, highlighted Russian involvement in the Sudan conflict and the need to stop the war and help women and children who are the first victims of violence and sexual abuse in any conflict, whether in Ukraine or in Sudan.
EU’s Significant Role in Sudan since the Revolution
Giuliana Franciosa, an expert in Communication Strategy, emphasized the role the EU has played in Sudan since the revolution. “Throughout the crisis, the EU has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the urgent needs of the Sudanese population by providing essential equipment, financing, deploying experts, facilitating evacuation, and protecting humanitarian access.”
Calls to Action from Sudanese Human Rights Activists and EU Leaders
The debate concluded with a call from Sudanese human rights activists for a ceasefire, a UN investigation into human rights violations, and an end to the war by demanding the Sudan Army Forces (SAF) stop airstrikes on civilians, halt the recruitment of radical Islamists to any section of the army, cease targeting refugee camps, stop importing any weapons from Russia or Iran, and immediately free women prisoners. The EU leaders promised to monitor the situation closely and help put an end to this humanitarian crisis.
