Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
43. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the increasingly urgent conflict situation in Sudan what supports his Department can provide or if he plans to introduce supports that will assist Sudanese/Irish citizens who are at risk. [1223/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan caused by the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since hostilities began in April last year, over 7.2 million people have fled their homes. Almost 25 million people are now in need of humanitarian aid and protection assistance.
A ceasefire is urgently needed. In late 2023, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide warned that the risk of genocide was high, particularly in Darfur.
Ireland continues to offer practical support to the people of Sudan, and to engage with diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
Following the outbreak of the conflict, the Government deployed an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) mission to augment the consular support being provided to Irish citizens, and support evacuation operations led by international partners. More than 350 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to leave Sudan. We continue to provide consular assistance through the Irish Embassy in Kenya, accredited to Sudan.
In 2023, Ireland provided over €7.9 million in humanitarian funding to partners operating in Sudan, in addition to assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. In December 2023, Ireland announced a further €2million contribution for the UNHCR Sudan Regional Refugee Response. Ireland also provides annual funding to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which in 2023 allocated over $60 million to Sudan.
We have consistently emphasised the need for humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in Sudan's political future. At meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council during 2023, the Tánaiste highlighted the heavy toll which the conflict was taking on civilians and called for consideration of additional sanctions. New EU sanctions were agreed in October 2023 targeting in particular those who attack civilians and obstruct humanitarian access.
We will continue to work with partners to help facilitate a democratic and peaceful future for Sudan and its people.
