UPF International: From Forgotten to Front - A Call for Peace in Sudan — Tageldin Ibrahim Hamad

I write today not only as an advocate for peace, but as someone who feels a deep moral responsibility for the suffering taking place in Sudan.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been ravaged by a devastating internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Former allies in a transitional government have turned their weapons on each other, and the consequences have been catastrophic. Cities such as Khartoum and El Geneina lie in ruins. Over 13 million people have been displaced; 4 million have crossed borders seeking refuge. Hospitals in Khartoum have collapsed. In El Geneina, families bury their loved ones in courtyards under the sound of gunfire. Aid trucks are looted before they reach those in need. Half the nation now faces hunger.

This is more than a humanitarian crisis - it is the collapse of a nation. And yet, the world looks away.

News cycles shift. Global priorities change. But the violence continues. We must not allow the people of Sudan to be forgotten. Every life matters - every mother without food, every child without shelter, every elder without medicine. Their suffering is not invisible. We must make it our collective concern.

This is not just a political failure; it is a deep social wound. The bonds of trust between communities - ethnic, regional, and religious - have been shattered. Ceasefires alone will not heal this. As the UN Secretary-General has urged, we need a new social contract - one built on trust, justice, and human rights[1]. I echo and support that call.

We have seen this pain before: in Darfur, in the early 2000s; and in the events leading to South Sudan’s independence. Every time, it was the people - ordinary citizens - who paid the price. We must not allow history to repeat itself.

A Longstanding Commitment to Peace

The Universal Peace Federation has stood with Sudan in its pursuit of peace for many years. In 2010, our local chapters launched grassroots initiatives promoting unity, dialogue, and nonviolence - including the establishment of a Center for Peace Culture in Khartoum. In 2011, we helped bring Sudanese voices to an international forum in Vienna to explore peaceful solutions ahead of the South Sudan referendum.

At UPF, we believe that peace cannot be imposed - it must be built. It begins in families, grows across faiths, and is sustained by listening, reconciliation, and shared responsibility.

Today, we call on:

All armed groups to stop the fighting and prioritize the protection of civilians.

Religious leaders of all faiths to stand together and lead efforts toward reconciliation.

Local peacebuilders, including our Ambassadors for Peace, to organize community aid, education, and dialogue.

Governments and international institutions to back their words with action - including the delivery of food, water, medicine, and protection - and to support diplomacy that includes all communities.

A Moment of Hope and a Renewed Commitment

In October 2020, I was honored to be invited to the signing ceremony of the Juba Peace Agreement. On behalf of UPF, I expressed our support for this important step toward ending internal conflict. I also had the privilege of presenting UPF Leadership and Good Governance Award to the President of South Sudan for his efforts in hosting and mediating the peace process.

But peace, we have learned, is not a one-time event. It is a sustained commitment.

The United Nations has taken important steps. On May 7, 2025, the UN Security Council condemned the violence in North Darfur and passed Resolution 2736, demanding the RSF end its siege of El Fasher, cease attacks on civilians, and grant full humanitarian access[2]. The Council warned that deliberate obstruction of aid and attacks on health facilities may constitute war crimes[3].

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the war in Sudan “a nightmare for civilians.” He added: “There is no military solution. This fighting must stop. The scale of the humanitarian needs is staggering - yet humanitarian workers face obstruction, looting, and violence.”[4]

Most recently, on 7 July 2025, UN humanitarian officials reported: “Sudan is facing the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. More than half the population lacks access to food, clean water, and basic healthcare. The situation in El Fasher and across Darfur is deteriorating rapidly. The international community cannot look away.”[5] We agree.

Standing with Sudan: A 100-Day Promise

As part of our 100-Day Campaign leading to the International Day of Peace, the Universal Peace Federation will continue to stand with Sudan. We will amplify interfaith collaboration, deliver aid, and uphold the dignity of every person affected.

On June 21, at an Audience in the Vatican, I greeted Pope Leo XIV, and asked him to pray for Sudan, His face responded positively, and kindly said, Yes.

To the people of Sudan: You are not forgotten. Your courage speaks louder than guns. And we will walk with you on the path to peace.

To every reader - policymaker, faith leader, concerned citizen I ask: Speak out. Share the truth. Urge your governments to act. Be present. Sudan needs us now not with pity, but with solidarity.

[1] news.un,org/en/story/2024/02/1146322

[2] press.un,org/en/2025/sc16046.doc.htm

[3] docs.un,org/en/S/RES/2736(2024)

[4] apnews,com/article/fffe37935dacf91287f001a8696488c3

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Peace is UN’s raison d’etre: Guterres

UN Photo/ Eskinder Debebe I UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefs the General Assembly on the work of the Organization and his priorities for 2024.

7 February 2024 I Peace and Security f Q

Around the globe, “peace is the missing piece” as conflicts rage, divisions grow and polarization deepens, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday.

Addressing the General Assembly with a list of priority areas for action, Antonio Guterres underscored that the UN was founded on the pursuit of peace.

“Peace is our raison d’etre. Yet, as I scan the landscape of today’s world, the one thing missing most dramatically is peace,” he said.

From the conflict in Gaza to the war on the environment and in combating toxic disinformation and hate speech to forging sustainable, inclusive practices, peace is the thread that weaves through the world’s common fabric, he emphasized.

“Peace is the way out of these interlinked crises; it is a rally cry… and a call to action,” he added, outlining a path forward to meet shared goals that, despite the turbulent times, offers reasons for hope.

Answering people’s calls, from ,: Antonio Guterres 0 Gaza to Ukraine @antonioguterres • Follow

Peace is humanity’s greatest responsibility. The UN Chief highlighted that civilians bear the In this difficult & divided moment, let’s meet that brunt of crises worldwide, from terrorism surges obligation for today & futu re generations. in the Sahel and conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine to armed groups in the eastern I will never give up fig hting for peace. Democratic Republic of the Congo and gangs ravaging Haiti.

“For millions of people caught up in conflict around the world, life is a deadly, daily, hungry hell,” he said.

Urging a global push for peace, he specifically addressed the crisis in Gaza, terming it a “festering wound on our collective conscience.”

He called for an immediate humanitarian In today’s tr.publed world, ceasefire, condemning the brutal 7 October building peace’ is a conscious, attacks by Hamas and other militant groups on ’ Israeli civilians, while stressing the need for a two- 10:30 AM • Feb 7, 2024 0 State solution. • 3.4K • Reply @ Copy link ‘An age of chaos’ Read 809 replies

Mr. Guterres asserted that if all countries fulfilled their obligations under the UN Charter, every person’s right to a life of peace and dignity would be guaranteed.

“But, governments are ignoring and undermining the very tenets of multilateral ism with zero accountability,” he said.

He also pointed to a “deadlocked” Security Council. He described the current dysfunction as deeper and more dangerous, signalling the world’s entry into “an age of chaos”.

“We are seeing the results: a dangerous and unpredictable free-for-all with total impunity,” he continued, warning of risks ranging from stealthier nuclear weapons to new domains of conflict and weapons.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe I UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (centre) answers questions from the media at the Rafah crossing.

New Agenda for Peace To address the complexities of today’s multipolar world, the UN chief underlined the need to strengthen and renew global peace and security frameworks.

He recalled the New Agenda for Peace, which he launched in mid-2023, advocating for Security Council reform, a recommitment to eliminating nuclear weapons, intensified conflict prevention efforts and measures to mitigate the impact of geopolitical competition on global trade rules, supply chains, currencies and the internet.

Combatting hate speech The UN chief also voiced concern about rising hate speech, discrimination, extremism and human rights abuses globally.

He called for a renewed social contract based on trust, justice and inclusion, anchored in human rights, including his Call to Action for Human Rights and a forthcoming code of conduct for information integrity.

Addressing the impact of new technologies, he also noted the work of the Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which reflects the central convening role of the Organization, bringing together governments, private companies, academia and civil society

UN Photo/Evan Schneider I Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) and Albert Ramdin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname, plant a young mangrove tree in the Weg Naar Zee mangrove rehabilitation site in Suriname.

Building a sustainable future Mr. Guterres highlighted the interdependence of peace and sustainable, inclusive development and emphasized that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for building peace and prosperity.

To keep the promise of the SDGs, he called for progress in two crucial areas: the SDG Stimulus of $500 billion annually in affordable long-term finance for developing countries and reform of the international financial architecture to respond to the needs of all countries.

He also stressed that the climate crisis remains the world’s most pressing challenge.

He noted the inevitable decline of the fossil fuel era and the unstoppable renewable energy revolution. Urging action this year to prevent a climate catastrophe, he called for tripling global renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency by 2030 and exploring innovative sources of climate finance.

‘Wars destroy; peace builds’ Peace, the Secretary-General concluded, remains the most essential human endeavour, capable of achieving wonders that wars never will.

“Wars destroy; peace builds,” he said, adding, however, that in today’s troubled world, “building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act.”

He urged a collective commitment to this obligation for present and future generations, affirming his unwavering dedication to pushing for peace.

Secretary-General Guterres addresses the General Assembly.

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Security Council Press Statement Highlights on Sudan Fourth International The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Conference on Financing Council President Jerome Bonnafont (France): for Development The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern over Sevil la, 30 June-3 July escalating violence, including in and around El Fasher, North Darfur. 2025

Council members strongly condemned the repeated attacks on El Fasher as United Nations Ocean well as on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced persons Conference in recent days by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They expressed deep Nice, France, 9-13 June concern at reports that RSF attacks had resulted in the deaths of at least 2025 400 civilians, including children and at least 11 aid workers. They called for RSF to be held accountable for these attacks. Forum on Financing for Recalling resolution 2736 (2024), Council members reiterated their demand Development that RSF halt the siege of El Fasher and their call for an immediate halt to New York, 28-29 Apr. the fighting and for de-escalation in and around El Fasher. 2025 Council members called on the parties to the conflict to protect civilians and comply with their obligations under international law, including Intergovernmental international humanitarian law, and fulfil resolution 2736 (2024), as well as Conference on Marine abide by their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. They also ca lled Biodiversity for RSF as well as all perpetrators of attacks on civilians, and human right s New York, 14-25 April violations and abuses, in Sudan to be held accountable. 2025

The members of the Security Council called upon all parties to the conflict to respect and protect humanitarian personnel, their prem ises and assets in Highlights of General accordance with their obligations under international law. They also called Assembly 79th Session on the parties to allow and facilitate, in a manner consistent with relevant New York, 10 Sep. - provisions of internat ional law and the United Nations guiding principles of Dec.2024 humanitarian assistance, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and Highlights of the Se throughout Sudan. Council The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the two- year anniversary of the Sudan conflict and its impact on the people of Sudan and the region. Council members called on the parties to the conflict to seek an immediate cessation of hostilities. They encouraged the parties to engage, in good faith, in political dialogue towards a durable ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned polit ical process. Daily Noon They called on the parties to use the opportunity of UN-led proximity talks Briefing to agree to steps to rapidly deliver these goals and work towards a sustainable end to the crisis in Sudan.

Council members urged all Member States to refrai n from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support efforts for durable peace and reminded all parties to t he conflict and Member States to adhere to their obligations to comply with the arms 18 July 2025 embargo measures as stipulated in paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004) and reaffirmed and renewed in resolution 2750 (2024). The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to today released a the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan. report warning that following major

l Sudan J cuts to humanitarian 0 For information media. Not an official record. budgets, up to 11.6 million refugees and others forced to flee risk losing access t his year to direct humanitarian assist ance from UNHCR. The figure represents about one third of those reached last year.

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FILE - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at United NationsHeadquarters. The United Nations chief onThursday, Feb. 8, urged the international community to mobilize and do everything possibletostop thewar in Sudan, saying “what is happeningis horrible.” Guterres said there isno military solution to theconflict between forces supporting rival generalsthat began in mid-April 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie, File)

BY EDITH M. LEDERER Updated 6:09 PM MDT, February 8, 2024 Share c!:i

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United Nations chief on Thursday urged the international community to mobilize and do everything possible to stop the war in Sudan, saying “what is happening is horrible.”

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there is no military solution to the conflict between forces supporting rival generals that began in mid-April 2023, and he stressed that continued fighting “will not bring any solution so we must stop this as soon as possible.”

Guterres told a U.N. press conference that it’s time for the warring rivals - Sudan’s military, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan , and the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - to start talking about ending the conflict, which has killed at least 12,000 people and sent over 7 million fleeing their homes.

The U.N. is working with the regional group IGAD, the African Union and t he Arab League, and Guterres expressed hope he will meet with them at the upcoming AU summit on Feb.17-18 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “to see how we can converge our efforts to bring these two generals to the table” and achieve a ceasefire and create conditions to get humanitarian aid into Sudan for people in “desperate condition.”

U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths told a news conference in Geneva on Wednesday that the rival generals assured him very recently they would attend a meeting in Switzerland to discuss

humanitarian issues and Sudan’s beleaguered civilians. “I’m still waiting to see when that happens,” Griffiths said.