UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Tuesday that foreign parties supplying weapons are enabling the conflict in Sudan. DiCarlo stated that “Sudan is trapped in a nightmare” and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The Under-Secretary-General stressed that both sides of the conflict bear responsibility for the violence, and the primary objective should be protecting civilians. Secretary-General António Guterres issued a similar statement on October 28 condemning violence against civilians in Sudan. The Secretary-General emphasized that a ceasefire is necessary for the safety of Sudanese civilians.

Sudan’s civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) began in April 2023 and has claimed thousands of lives since.

The RSF is a parliamentary militia known for its attacks against civilians, namely sexual violence against women and girls. Most recently, the RSF launched a string of attacks against civilians in the Al Jazirah state of Sudan.

The SAF is Sudan’s official military. The SAF has also come under criticism for its attacks on civilians and for procuring arms to further the conflict.

Citizens of Sudan have long suffered human rights violations. Civilians encounter violence and food insecurity, among many other atrocities, on a daily basis. Global organizations and government bodies are taking action to protect Sudanese civilians’ human rights. Amnesty International has called for the UN to enforce an arms embargo in Sudan to mitigate violence. Additionally, the US has imposed sanctions on the SAF Procurement Director for his efforts to expand the war.