Geneva, July 03 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has expressed deep concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling on all parties to the conflict to respect international law and engage in dialogue to reach a lasting peace.
The remarks were given on Friday by HE Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during an urgent debate to "address the human rights situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan." The debate was part of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Her Excellency said the State of Qatar voices concern over the continued suffering of the Sudanese people and repeated attacks on civilian and vital infrastructure in and around the city of El Obeid.
She urged all sides to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint and avoid further fighting, warning that continued hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for civilians.
HE Al Muftah reiterated Doha's call for dialogue among all Sudanese parties to bring the armed conflict to a permanent end, address the humanitarian situation and launch broad negotiations leading to a comprehensive agreement and sustainable peace.
She also reaffirmed Qatar's support for Sudan's unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its opposition to any form of external interference in the country's internal affairs.
Her Excellency stressed the importance of respecting the Sudanese government's preference to build on existing Human Rights Council mechanisms that have the government's confidence and are able to operate effectively on the ground. (QNA)