First, the United Kingdom underscores UNISFA’s critical role in protecting civilians and maintaining stability in a fragile environment.
It is essential that UNISFA is able to deliver its mandate in full.
We are concerned by continued restrictions on UNISFA’s freedom of movement, the limited progress by the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities against key mandate benchmarks agreed last November and the presence of unauthorised forces in violation of Abyei’s demilitarised status.
We also again strongly condemn the drone attacks on the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism logistics base in December, which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine others, and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families.
We urge accountability and call on all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and premises in accordance with international law.
Beyond this tragic human cost, the attack has also led to the first complete suspension of the Mechanism’s physical presence since its creation, which has significantly impacted border monitoring and demilitarisation.
Second, we remain concerned at the acute humanitarian and protection situation in Abyei.
More than 20,000 people are currently displaced in the region, and access constraints are limiting the delivery of vital assistance.
We are also deeply concerned by reports of a pattern of conflict-related sexual violence, including against children.
We call on all actors to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and to protect civilians, in line with international law.
Third, it is critical that progress is made against the benchmarks agreed in resolution 2802.
The continued failure to convene joint mechanisms and delays to police deployment are deeply concerning.
We urge Sudan and South Sudan to re-engage in dialogue and take concrete steps towards demilitarisation and agreed governance arrangements.