The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) expresses deep concern for the people of Sudan who are currently experiencing one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in recent years. Civilians are facing hunger, displacement, and violence, with more than 30 million people in need of assistance and protection, and millions forced to flee their homes. The UN Secretary-General has described the situation as a crisis of “staggering scale and brutality”.
After an 18-month siege, the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur has fallen under the control of Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with UN experts documenting widespread atrocities including summary executions, ethnically targeted killings, and systemic sexual violence against women and girls. The Regional Director for UN Women has stated that “women’s bodies have become a crime scene in Sudan”. Reports from UN human rights experts describe horrific attacks, including the killing of hundreds of wounded civilians inside Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital. Thousands have since fled the city in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. However, less than a quarter of Sudan’s health facilities are currently functioning in the areas most impacted by fighting, leaving many without access to basic medical care.
In light of this worsening crisis, ANIC calls on the Australian Government to join in providing unhindered humanitarian aid into Sudan and to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of arms sales and transfers. States and international actors must uphold their obligations under international law to prevent the supply of arms that contribute to war crimes and crimes against humanity, in line with repeated calls from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Secretary-General.
Our hearts are with the Sudanese community in Australia, many of whom are watching this tragedy unfold with profound grief and fear for the safety of their loved ones. We recognise the emotional burdens associated with of family separation, the inability to contact relatives, and the anxiety felt when uncertain of their wellbeing. We stand in solidarity with the Sudanese Australian community, and call upon the Muslim community to exhaust all our efforts to aid our Sudanese brothers and sisters, and to spread awareness about this catastrophe that has unfortunately been under-reported over the last two years.
We hope that the Australian Government and the international community act swiftly, and do not idly stand by while our brothers and sisters continue to suffer.
We remind ourselves of the Prophet’s ﷺ words:
“The believers in their affection, mercy and compassion for each other are just like one body. When one limb suffers, the whole body suffers.”
