Greece’s concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis and famine in Sudan was expressed by the Greek Permanent Representative, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, stressing the urgent need for international intervention while speaking at the Security Council Emergency Session on the humanitarian situation in Sudan, which was convened upon request of Slovenia.

Greece agrees with the UN Secretary-General’s warnings about the worsening food situation and takes into account the findings of the Food Security Classification (IPC) Report, which states that famine conditions prevail in five regions, with more than half the population—24, 6 million people—face acute food insecurity.

Mr. Sekeris defined three main priorities for dealing with the crisis:

  • 1. Unhindered Access for Humanitarian Aid:

Greece requests the immediate removal of the administrative and insurance obstacles that hinder the provision of humanitarian aid. Stresses the importance of compliance with International Humanitarian Law and condemns the use of hunger as a weapon of war as set out in Security Council Resolution 2417 (2018).

Greece was mentioned by Mr. Sekeris, committed to continue its support in Sudan and reminded our country’s participation in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan.

  • 2. Extension of Humanitarian Aid:

Greece supports the immediate reinforcement of humanitarian aid, medical services and protection measures, especially for vulnerable population groups, including displaced persons and local communities. Particular emphasis is placed on the needs of women, girls and children, who face increased risks of violence, displacement and limited access to basic services.

Ms. Sekeris referred to UNICEF’s warnings about the serious consequences of the crisis for Sudan’s children, stressing that “their protection must remain a priority”.

  • 3. Cessation of Hostilities and Political Solution:

“The conflict threatens the stability of the region with unforeseen consequences for neighboring statesGreece stresses, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and supports diplomatic efforts to achieve peace through dialogue and mediation. The Greek Permanent Representative made special mention of the work of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra.

“The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan risks escalating further and poses a threat to already fragile regional stability with unforeseeable, far-reaching consequences for neighboring states and beyond.

A cessation of hostilities is vital to alleviating the humanitarian crisis and stabilizing Sudan.

Greece supports all efforts aimed at dialogue and mediation that are consolidated, and in this context, praises the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Mr. Ramdan Lamamrasaid Mr. Sekeris.

Greece reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Sudan and its commitment to support initiatives that protect civilians, achieve a ceasefire and create the conditions for long-term peace and stability.

The Report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)

Ms. Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization during the Security Council meeting presented an urgent update on the worsening food crisis in Sudan, describing the current food security reports “as the worst in the country’s history” .

According to Ms. Bekhdol in August 2024, famine has been confirmed in Zamzam camp in North Darfur and is spreading to other areas, with famine predicted in five additional areas by May 2025. Some 24.6 million people are acutely food insecure, with 637,000 at a catastrophic level.

The conflict and forced displacement, it said, have driven millions from their homes, disrupted markets and sent prices of essential goods soaring. Also, agricultural production in Sudan has collapsed due to limited sowing, erratic rainfall and damaged farmland.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization is calling for immediate action, highlighting the need to:

  1. Political intervention to end conflicts and restore access to humanitarian aid.
  2. Unhindered delivery of aid such as food, water and agricultural support.
  3. Increased support for local food production to strengthen resilience.

Ms. Bechdol pointed out that “without immediate action, the crisis risks deepening, with devastating consequences for the Sudanese population and the stability of the region.”

OCHA Director: “Serious humanitarian crisis in Sudan”

For a serious humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Wasournou spoke to the members of the Security Council, stating that more than 11.5 million people are displaced in areas of the country, while 3.2 million have fled to neighboring countries.

Aid agencies, he noted, aim to support 21 million people, nearly half of Sudan’s population. Despite calls for a ceasefire, armed conflict continues, with areas such as North Darfur experiencing dire conditions, such as the Zamzam camp.

According to Ms. Wosourno, access to famine-stricken areas remains limited, despite some positive developments, such as the arrival of humanitarian aid convoys in Khartoum and South Kordofan. However, bureaucratic obstacles, security risks and restrictions on crossings continue to impede aid delivery.

Ms. Gousournou stressed that the latest Food Security Classification (IPC) analysis confirms the existence of famine conditions in five regions and warns of possible famine in 17 additional regions by May 2025.

Sudan remains the only country, he noted, where famine has been officially confirmed.

The OCHA director is calling for immediate international action, focusing on three key needs: compliance with humanitarian law and a ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and increased funding.

“The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan calls for $4.2 billion to support people inside Sudan and $1.8 billion for refugees in neighboring countries,” said Ms. Wosourno.