Sudan

Baroness Goudie Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Goudie (Lab)]

My Lords, I am grateful to the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Leeds for raising this urgent Question and for his long-standing moral leadership, as he prepares to retire from this House. I know that he is not going to give up everything else that he has been doing and will plan to do. I thank him so much for everything he has done for us. I declare my interest as an ambassador for the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

Women and girls are bearing a disproportionate share of the burden in Sudan. This has been going on for decades—far too long. Malnutrition among mothers leads to malnutrition among infants. When hunger becomes a weapon of war, as it clearly has in Sudan, the impact is generational. The UK has not yet ratified the 2019 amendment to the Rome statute, which would criminalise starvation tactics in non-international armed conflict. If we are serious about accountability, we must lead by example. Ratifying this amendment would send a clear signal that starvation crimes will not be ignored.

As we have a short time to speak today, I will make three points to the Government. First, the protection of civilians and safe humanitarian access must be at the centre of all diplomatic engagement. Without this, the crisis will continue to deepen regardless of the aid provided. Secondly, our humanitarian assistance should prioritise nutrition-specific interventions, including ready-to-use therapeutic food for severely malnourished children, and support for pregnant and lactating women. These are proven, cost-effective interventions that save lives. Thirdly, we must keep accountability on the agenda. The atrocities in Darfur and Kordofan, including starvation crimes and sexual violence, must be investigated, documented and prosecuted.

Justice will be essential for a long-term peace. As far as peace is concerned, women, including local women, must be at the peace table. Unless we have that, we will not have peace. It must include having women to discuss education, development and the future of their country.