Malaysia Calls For Global Attention To Sudan Crisis At Conference

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called on the international community to address Sudan's humanitarian crisis, with over 11 million internally displaced persons and 18 million people, or 37 per cent of the population, facing severe hunger.

During his closing speech at the  "Sudan – The Forgotten War" conference on Monday, held at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Mohamad highlighted the severe and underreported humanitarian challenges facing Sudan, emphasising the need for immediate global action. 

"The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is one of the most severe and underreported tragedies of our time. Despite having the largest internally displaced population in the world, it remains largely overlooked," he said in his closing speech. 

He said that the Sudanese civil war is not merely a distant conflict but a humanitarian crisis that demands the attention of the global community, emphasising the need for thoughtful and compassionate action to effectively address it.

Mohamad stressed the importance of both short-term relief and long-term solutions to address the crisis, advocating for dialogue and mediation involving a neutral third party to facilitate a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict.

In his speech, the minister also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to supporting Sudan through diplomatic, humanitarian and developmental initiatives. 

He highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations, which spans over 51 years, marked by diplomatic, trade and cultural exchanges.

"Since those early days, our relations have evolved beyond diplomatic formalities; they embody a deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and progress," he said.

The conference was attended by distinguished guests, including Sudan’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hussein Awad Ali, who provided a platform to discuss the root causes of the Sudanese civil war and to explore political and security developments in the region. 

Since mid-April 2023, an estimated 7.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan, with children comprising half of this number. The conflict has resulted in widespread devastation, with the population facing a severe lack of food, shelter, and medical care.

Malaysia has consistently supported Sudan’s peace process and advocated for its development through international platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. 

Malaysian humanitarian efforts in Sudan include aiding Darfur refugees, offering scholarships to Sudanese students, and providing technical training through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.

-- BERNAMA