By Our Correspondent in Brussels
A press conference organised today in Brussels in front of the European Parliament by a coalition of International and European organizations, human rights and women rights advocates, to shed the light on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan This is one of the biggest crises of present times and a call to the international community to act now to stop the war and implement a peace plan in the region. Speakers at the Press conference said the use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese Armed forces against civilians must stop now and that foreign support of the islamist army must come, particularly by Egypt. They said it is a predation for a storm of protest coming against the army.
Ramon Rahangmetan ,Co-Founder of circle of Sustainable Europe said that “The use of chemical weapons is not only a war crime , but is a moral red line that defines whether humanity still governs on decisions “.“The use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese government was determined by US department of State , independent journalists of France 24 and reports from humanitarian organizations. “We should demand accountability and strengthen sanctions against enablers.” He said. Ms Amina Nsenga, author and women’s rights advocate stated the threat that women and children go through in Sudan and the suffering of civilians under this conflict which is unfortunately not highlighted on the media.“Sudanese women are victims of rape,physical and psychological traumas and they are completely excluded from decision-making.
The EU leaders must act now to protect women and girls and protect their mental health and well-being”. She said.Journalits and human rights defenders pointed out that after the Arab spring, Sudan fought for freedom and democracy and hoped for a better future for young people and women .However, the rise of Muslim Brotherhood to power destroyed the dream of Sudanese people of a free and a democratic society. He regrets that Egypt which has been fighting against Muslim Brotherhood is now supporting islamists in Sudan which is contradictory and hypocritical. Activists called for a condemnation of islamists everywhere and the need to protect the lives of Sudanese people as well as their fundamental freedoms and rights.Jamil Maqsoud , head of the UKPNP reminded that the world should stand by women and girls fighting against oppression and dictatorship as well as extremism which is the case in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as Sudan.
Women rights activists highlighted the need to end violence against women and girls and stop using rape as a war weapon as well as starvation as a tool of pressure on civilians. They accused SAF for using rape and starvation as war weapon constantly by blocking humanitarian aid.The activists called on international community to act to facilitate humanitarian aid which is blocked by countries which support the Sudanese army .Representatives from Bangladesh, Iran, Afghanistan in Europe emphasised the need to support secular voices and women’s rights in conflict zones and particularly in Sudan as well as stop islamist extremism which threatens peace and security not only in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia but the world over.
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