A starkly-worded joint statement issued by 30 countries, including Canada, has condemned the brutal attacks on a humanitarian convoy in Al Koma, North Darfur, Sudan, on June 2, 2025. The attack, which killed five people and injured several others, is the latest in a string of deadly assaults on civilians and aid workers in the country.
The statement, issued by countries including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, denounced the attack on the humanitarian convoy from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The convoy was carrying essential supplies to support children and families in El Fasher town.
The joint donors expressed their “strongest condemnation” for the attack, which they described as a “violation of international law”. They emphasized that civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict, and urged all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities. The statement also stressed the need for the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law.
This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against civilians and aid workers in Sudan, which has resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago. The joint donors deplored all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict, and emphasized that the continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalized.
The statement also called for an immediate and independent investigation into the attack and accountability of the perpetrators, in line with the UN Secretary General’s call. The joint donors expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.
The Humanitarian Situation in Sudan
Sudan is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity, malnutrition, and displacement. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, which have been targeted by all sides.
International Response to the Crisis
The international community has condemned the attacks on civilians and aid workers in Sudan, and is calling for an immediate end to hostilities. The United Nations has estimated that over 7 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance, and many more are at risk of famine.
Conclusion
The joint donors’ statement serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict on civilians and aid workers. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict in Sudan uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law and allow for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need. The international community must continue to work together to support the people of Sudan and bring an end to this devastating crisis.