5 int'l bodies call for immediate halt of military escalation in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Five international organizations known as the "Quintet" on Wednesday called for an immediate halt of any further military escalation in Sudan, including the use of increasingly destructive means of warfare.

In a joint statement, the Quintet, consisting of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, European Union and the United Nations, expressed grave concern over the continued escalation of the conflict.

The Quintet said it is particularly alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation facing civilians in the Kordofan region and Blue Nile State. Reports of deadly drone strikes, tightening sieges, attacks affecting critical civilian infrastructure, forced displacement and severe constraints on humanitarian access underscore the urgency of immediate action to prevent atrocities.

The protection of civilians, civilian premises and critical national infrastructure is a fundamental obligation under international law, the Quintet said, emphasizing that international humanitarian law applies to all those engaged in hostilities.

"Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas in need must be ensured," the Quintet said, adding that "Serious violations of international humanitarian law cannot go unaddressed. Perpetrators must be held accountable."

The Quintet emphasized the need for coordinated and effective collective efforts to de-escalate the conflict, restore conditions conducive to civilian protection, and halt the flow of weapons, fighters and other forms of support that sustain violence and contribute to the fragmentation of Sudan.

The Quintet reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and to facilitating a Sudanese-owned, inclusive inter-Sudanese political dialogue aimed at ending the war and laying the foundations for a peaceful political transition, the statement said. ■