The United Kingdom has long supported strengthening the UN sanctions regime: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council

UK Explanation of Vote delivered by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN Security Council vote on the Sudan sanctions regime.

The United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution, which provides a short technical rollover of the Sudan sanctions measures until 9th October.

We welcome this additional time for discussions on how to ensure that the UN sanctions regime responds effectively to the realities on the ground in Sudan.

We thank the United States, as penholder, for its determined efforts to steer negotiations and to update the regime, in light of a conflict that has changed significantly since these measures were first established.

Today’s decision preserves an important Council tool, but it is only a temporary extension. 

The coming weeks must be used constructively, and all members of this Council have a responsibility to engage seriously on the future of the sanctions regime, and on how it can best protect civilians and support peace.

The United Kingdom has long supported strengthening the UN sanctions regime, so that it remains effective, credible, and responsive. 

The sanctions regime should reflect that fighting has spread across Sudan. It should press the parties to halt violence, and to protect civilians, including by constraining the flow of weapons and other support that is fuelling this war.

Across Sudan, millions continue to endure violence, displacement, hunger, and profound insecurity. 

More than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes between January and May this year alone.

The Council has an opportunity over the coming weeks to ensure that its sanctions regime remains fit for purpose.