Thank you, Mr. President.
I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. Allow me also to extend a very warm welcome to the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward. I look forward to working with you on this file, as well as other files on the Council’s agenda.
Mr. President,
Despite multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Sudan has made great efforts to succeed with its historic transition. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that UNITAMS would be fully operational at the earliest opportunity to support Sudan in its efforts, and particularly in the four mandated strategic areas.
Firstly, it is crucial that Sudan would receive the support of UNITAMS in order to progress with the political transition to democracy. Here the focus should be on institution-building, as strong institutions form the backbone of democracy. We would like to recognize Sudan for the significant steps already taken, and would encourage Sudan to continue on this path of reforms and institution-building.
Secondly, we congratulate Sudan on signing of the Juba Peace Agreement on 3 October. Now, implementation is key, and the support of UNITAMS to the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement cannot be overemphasized. I would also like to underscore the importance of the inclusion of women in this process. Additionally, we call on parties who have not yet joined the peace agreement to do so urgently.
Thirdly, it is critical for Sudan to receive the support of UNITAMS in assisting with peacebuilding, protection of civilians, and rule of law. In this connection, we welcome the willingness of Sudan to address civilian protection head on, but also recognize some of the capacity constraints, where the UN can be helpful.
Fourthly, given the economic hardship Sudan has seen in 2020, it is crucial for UNITAMS, together with International financial institutions, to put their full weight behind supporting the economic recovery. We would also like to welcome the intention to remove Sudan from the list of State sponsors of terrorism.
Mr. President,
UNITAMS was established with the sole purpose of supporting Sudan during its historic transition. It is very important that this messaging will be communicated clearly and through meaningful action to the Sudanese people. Given the immense challenges Sudan is facing, it is crucial that UNITAMS has sufficient capacity, adequate resources, and would be fit for purpose to offer support in all areas where Sudan needs it. We also reiterate our call to have the Special Representative of the Secretary-General appointed at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. President, allow me now to turn to the topic UNAMID. By the end of December, this Council has to make a decision about the future of UNAMID. Estonia is supporting a responsible withdrawal, which is not politicized, but based on the needs on the ground. Rushing the withdrawal risks losing the significant gains made by UNAMID over the years.
Lastly, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Sudan for offering its generous support to the Ethiopian refugees fleeing fighting and violence in the Tigray region. These actions prove, once again, why we must invest in a stable, strong, and prosperous Sudan, as it gives so much back to the region. International community must spare no effort to offer its support to the aspirations of Sudanese people to achieve democracy, peace and prosperity.
Thank you.
