Vietnam calls for more efforts to protect civilians in Sudan

Addressing a virtually held meeting on the situation in Sudan on March 9, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, highly appreciated the recent developments in Sudan and expressed his wish that the transitional government and stakeholders would continue to fully implement the October 3, 2020 peace agreement, contributing to building long-term peace and stability in the country.

Ambassador Quy spoke highly of the role the United Nations, countries and regional organizations play in promoting peace and stability in Sudan and urged the international community to continue providing humanitarian assistance and further facilitating Sudan access to international financial institutions.

At the same time, the Vietnamese diplomat expressed his wish that the UN Integrated Transitional Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) would soon be fully operational to support the transition and development process in Sudan, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of the UNAMID’s forces in the withdrawal of its troops.

During the UNSC meeting, rapporteurs spoke of the positive developments in Sudan, but maintained that there remains an increase in violence between communities, plus the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and humanitarian crisis.

They requested the Sudanese Government further promote the protection of civilians in the Darfur region as well as ensure the safety of the United Nations - African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) during its withdrawal process.

Under Resolution 2559 adopted on December 22, 2020, the UN Security Council passed decided to terminate the UNAMID’s mandate on December 31, 2020 following positive developments in the Darfur region, and proposed the UNAMID complete the withdrawal of its troops from January 1 to June 30, 2021.