Labour ministers and MPs are pressing for stronger civilian protection, humanitarian access and accountability in Sudan after a clearly marked World Food Programme convoy was attacked in South Kordofan.
Two WFP-contracted trucks travelling from Dilling to Kadugli were hit in an aerial attack on 3 October. One driver was killed. The incident followed another attack in which a WFP truck struck an explosive device after delivering food aid in Dilling.
WFP has called for an impartial investigation and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and guarantee the safe movement of humanitarian workers and supplies.
The attack came as UNICEF reported that a drone strike on a displacement shelter in Al Obeid had reportedly killed one boy and injured 12 children. More than 400 children were reportedly killed or injured in Sudan between January and September this year.
The UK Government’s latest statement, delivered at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 October, backed renewal of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. The UK said the mission remains the only independent body documenting abuses across the country and that its continued mandate is essential for future justice and accountability.
A parliamentary test on funding
That position is now facing an important parliamentary test. Labour MP Fleur Anderson has asked whether the Government will support multi-year funding for the Fact-Finding Mission. Her question is due to receive an answer on 12 October.
Government sets out three priorities
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband set out the Government’s wider approach during a speech at the UN General Assembly in September. He identified three priorities: diplomacy and a ceasefire leading to civilian government; humanitarian access; and civilian protection backed by accountability. He also warned that there can be no military solution to Sudan’s conflict.
International Development Minister Kirsty McNeill told MPs during the 8 September Westminster Hall debate that the Government would be proactive in keeping Parliament informed about Sudan. She said more than 3,000 export licences had been reviewed where diversion or transit to Sudan had been alleged, with no evidence found of UK weapons or ammunition being used in the conflict.
Labour MPs who took part in the debate—including Naushabah Khan, Anneliese Dodds, Rachael Maskell and Brian Leishman—called for greater attention to the crisis, improved humanitarian access, action against external networks fuelling the war, and sustained support for Sudanese civil society.
The latest attacks underline the gap between international commitments and the reality facing civilians on the ground. Aid routes are increasingly dangerous, children are being killed in displacement shelters, and millions remain dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Next steps for the UK
The UK’s next steps should be clear: secure the renewal and long-term funding of the Fact-Finding Mission, protect humanitarian corridors, use sanctions and diplomacy against those fuelling the war, and support an inclusive Sudanese-led political process leading to civilian democratic government.
For Sudan’s civilian movement, accountability is not separate from peace. It is one of the conditions on which a credible and lasting settlement must be built.
