UNSC briefing/consultations

United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS)

(Wednesday, 7 December, 1000 hrs)

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Now, I deliver the following remarks in my national capacity. I join others in thanking SRSG Volker Perthes for his detailed briefing on the activities of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). 

2.​    The political transition process that began four years ago continues to face obstacles on the ground. However, recent developments, including on the draft constitution are encouraging. We also welcome the signing of a political framework agreement in Sudan. The efforts of the Sudanese authorities to create conducive environment by way of annulment of the nation-wide emergency and release of political detainees has helped in easing tensions. 

3.    The Sudanese stakeholders need to consolidate the gains made so far and move towards an inclusive political agreement. We reiterate that Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned, inclusive, and credible political dialogue remains critical in efforts to find a lasting solution. We hope the stakeholders will continue to address the issue of security sector reforms and accountability as well implementation of the Juba Agreement.  We encourage the Trilateral Mechanism (UN-AU-IGAD) to work closely with the stakeholders to facilitate the political agreement. 

4.     We take note of the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), particularly regarding the transitional security arrangements in Darfur. The Permanent Ceasefire Committee has continued its work on ceasefire violations. The reduction in violence in the Darfur region is an encouraging sign. In the coming months, we hope efforts will be made to expedite the deployment of the Joint Security-Keeping Force. The intercommunal violence in West Kordofan and Blue Nile, due to complex factors, particularly over land disputes can only be tackled effectively by prioritizing reconciliation and addressing the political and security related issues. 

5.​    On the economic front, the suspension of a significant portion of international donor assistance, together with the pause in engagement by International Financial Institutions, has severely impacted the inflows of overseas development assistance. The funding shortfalls are also impacting the activities of humanitarian actors and their ability to meet growing needs. The support of the international community to humanitarian appeal needs to be scaled up. 

6.​    In conclusion, India has longstanding friendly relations with Sudan and its people. Over the years, India has assisted Sudan through several projects under concessional lines of credit, capacity building and humanitarian assistance. The constructive support of the international community is critical as Sudan and its people move towards a stable, secure and prosperous future. 

I now resume my duties as the President.

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