Statement by H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva at the 62nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
Urgent Debate on the human rights situation in and around El Obeid, Sudan
Geneva, 03 July 2026
Mr. President,
The Holy See follows with grave concern the deteriorating situation in and around El Obeid, where approximately half a million individuals, many of whom have been displaced from El Fasher and other parts of Kordofan, are now facing escalating hostilities and the imminent risk of encirclement. This Council is aware of what happened in El Fasher. It is the responsibility of the international community to ensure that this tragedy is not repeated.
International humanitarian law binds all parties, without exceptions. The distinction between combatants and noncombatants, and the protection owed to places of worship and hospitals, to the displaced persons, and relief workers, are not optional in war, they are its limits.
My Delegation is particularly concerned by the tightening obstruction of humanitarian access, and the siege-like conditions in which food, water and fuel are scarce, and essential city services are under attack. Starving civilians can never be a method of warfare. As Pope Leo XIV recalled recently, access to adequate food is “a fundamental human right”; and he warned that “conflicts are ‘fed’ more readily than people are nourished.”[1] Moreover, El Obeid is a vital lifeline through which relief reaches Darfur and much of Kordofan. Cutting it off would endanger far more than one city. Amid this suffering, the Catholic Church is present on the ground, caring for the displaced and providing food, water, sanitation and healthcare.
Mr. President,
There is no military solution to the crisis in Sudan. As with other situations of this nature, it is essential that dialogue prevails. In this regard, my Delegation reiterates the appeal of Pope Leo XIV “to the warring parties to silence their weapons and begin, without preconditions, a sincere dialogue, aimed at ending this fratricidal war as soon as possible.”[2] All parties must comply with international humanitarian law, protect and uphold human rights, step back from any assault upon El Obeid, open safe corridors for those in need, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.
Thank you, Mr. President.