Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support humanitarian efforts and (b) promote peace and stability in the Darfur region of Sudan; and what steps he is taking with international partners to help tackle (i) the ongoing conflict and (ii) human rights abuses in the area.

The human cost of the conflict in Sudan is appalling with the warring parties showing a total disregard for human life. The conflict has caused the largest and most severe crisis globally with 64 per cent of the population in urgent need of assistance. The UK is using all levers at its disposal to act. At last month's London Sudan conference, the Foreign Secretary announced a further £120 million in UK funding which will target over 650,000 people with life-saving aid. The UK continues to use its position as the Sudan penholder at the UN Security Council to address civilian suffering and abuses. Last summer, the UK-led resolution 2736 demanded a halt to the Rapid Support Forces' siege of El Fasher and called on warring parties to implement an immediate cessation of hostilities and ensure safe, unimpeded humanitarian access. In November 2024, the Minister for Africa chaired an open Council meeting focused on protection of civilians in Sudan, laying the groundwork for the UK and Sierra Leone's co-led resolution. This resolution was shamefully vetoed by Russia.