Switzerland urges warring parties in Sudan to allow humanitarian access

GENEVA

Switzerland on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, citing increasing cases of severe malnutrition and famine.

"As part of the (Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan) ALPS coalition, Switzerland is appalled by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the rising cases of severe malnutrition and famine," the Swiss Foreign Ministry said on US social media company X.

Bern called on all warring parties "to allow and facilitate humanitarian access and ensure a sustained UN presence across the country."

The Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting a war since April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 victims and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.