Matt Carthy
Question:97. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. [52223/23]
View answerTuesday, 28 November 2023
Questions (97, 98, 99)
Matt Carthy
Question:98. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that has been provided by the Irish Government to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan; the purpose of this funding; if he intends to provide additional funding for these purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52224/23]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:99. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any meetings or engagements in respect of the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan; the detail and outcome of any such meeting or engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52225/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 98 and 99 together.
We are deeply concerned by the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the conflict began in April, over 6.2 million people have fled their homes and nearly 25 million people, half of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection assistance.
Ireland has been a long-term partner of the people of Sudan in both development and humanitarian action, providing over €35 million in assistance between 2018 and 2022. Ireland has provided over €7 million in humanitarian and development aid to Sudan so far this year, together with further assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. This includes €4 million to the UN OCHA Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which channels funding through non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners on the ground who are best placed to deliver immediate life-saving assistance. Support is also provided to the work of Irish NGOs including GOAL, Concern Worldwide, Trócaire and Plan International. Core funding to WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, ICRC and other multilateral agencies also plays a role in helping to alleviate the catastrophic impact of the conflict on delivery of services.
Ireland will continue to provide support to Sudan in 2024 alongside diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict. Horrific reports of widespread sexual and gender based violence, targeted killings, large-scale attacks on civilian settlements and forced displacement have been a hallmark of the conflict. On 14 November, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide issued a statement warning that acts which amount to genocide may have been committed.
In this context, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need for protection of civilians, maintenance of humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in Sudan's political future. At the meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in May and June Ireland initiated calls for additional sanctions in order to increase pressure on the parties. In October, the EU adopted a new autonomous sanctions framework for Sudan which targets those impeding peace efforts, perpetrating civilian harm and obstructing humanitarian access.
At the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland has advocated for a ceasefire, an end to attacks on civilians, and protection of humanitarian access. In October, the Council established a Fact Finding Mission, charged with investigating human rights violations in Sudan.
Ireland is also working with partners who are supporting the work of human rights defenders and civil society, engaging in peace mediation and inclusive dialogue, promoting transitional justice, and conducting research and analysis on conflict dynamics.
Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 97.
Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 97.