APPG on Women, Peace and Security: Maternal and Child Heath in South Darfur
On Tuesday 14th January, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women, Peace and Security (APPG-WPS) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) co-sponsored a panel event on Maternal and Child Heath in South Darfur.
The event welcomed Dame Rosalind Marsden, Chatham House Associate Fellow in the Africa Programme, and former EU Special Representative for Sudan, Dr Natalie Roberts, the Executive Director at MSF UK and a medical doctor, and Sonal Marwah, the Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, MSF, currently based in Port Sudan.
The discussion, facilitated by Baroness Hodgson, co-chair of the APPG -WPS, provided an overview of the conflict landscape in Sudan and its impact on maternal and child health. MSF has been working in Sudan since 1979 and, currently, MSF teams are working in South Darfur on one of the most acute maternal and child health emergencies in the world.
Baroness Hodgson welcomed the attendees and speakers to the APPG-WPS event, outlining the importance of this convening to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as a Women, Peace and Security priority. More than 4 million women have experienced gender-based violence and every seventh child in Sudan is experiencing acute malnutrition. The UK, as penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council, has called for coordinated international action to provide humanitarian access and put an end to the violence. In November 2024, the UK doubled its aid commitment to Sudan and the region to almost $140 million. This is welcomed action, but this event considered how the UK can better use its position to support the people of Sudan, particularly paying heed to the disproportionate impact on women and girls.
Dame Marsden provided a comprehensive overview of the history of armed conflict and root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. For many in the anti-war spaces, ‘this is a war against the revolution and democratic transition’, Dame Marsden explained, and then talked about the complex and deep-rooted structural causes of the war and the culture of impunity that has been nurtured since. Twenty months into the current war, the fracture of power has led to virtual state collapse and division within the country, perpetuated by ethnic tensions and hate speech. Dame Marsden explained that the longer the conflict goes on for, the more fragmented the country will become, with discussions of alternative currency and government to delegitimise the government in Port Sudan. The United States recently convened ceasefire talks in Geneva, but the Sudanese Armed Forces refused to send a delegation. Dame Marsden referenced newly elected President Trump and questioned what will be done by this new administration to respond to this humanitarian crisis. She emphasised that women have been at the forefront of the Sudanese revolution and continue to act as key agents of change. There continues to be ‘glimmer of hope’ with the ongoing commitment by the Sudanese people to achieve freedom and foster social peace. Dame Marsden concluded by commending the work of Women’s Rights Organisations (WROs), the “unsung heroes” in Sudan, and urging for the voices of civilians to be integrated into peace processes.
Dr Roberts introduced the work of MSF and the current humanitarian landscape. Sudan is experiencing one of the most devastating crises, with brutal attacks on civilians and widespread acts of sexual and gender-based violence against women, as well as men and children. Women and girls suffer disproportionately from hunger and 70-80% of medical facilities are failing to function at full capacity. MSF has been responding to the crisis in Sudan and neighbouring countries, with 22 healthcare facilities receiving their support. Despite the re-opening of the Chad-Sudan border crossing, only five trucks are crossing each day. Dr Roberts explained that the areas without MSF will be experiencing significantly worse conditions. Dr Roberts then handed over to her colleague, Sonal Marwah, to provide a more detailed understanding of the context working in Port Sudan.
Sonal Marwah has been based in Port Sudan for the past five months, responding to one of the most severe child and maternal health crises globally. Healthcare staff have had to flee due to the violence; women are heading their families due to the loss of partners; women and children are dying from pregnancy and childbirth. As witnessed in many contexts, adolescent and child marriage rates are heightened due to economic hardship. Sonal provided harrowing testimonies from two Sudanese women who have experienced barriers to accessing healthcare, exacerbated due to internal displacement. These illustrated the hidden experiences of Sudanese women and girls within this violence against civilians. For pregnant women experiencing malnutrition, there is an increased risk of intergenerational malnutrition. In response to this health crisis, MSF have expanded their usual remit to provide access to food and are repairing hospitals.
Dr Roberts finalised the speaker presentations by looking to the role of the UK, specifically. This is a disaster affecting Sudanese women that goes beyond maternal health. Dr Roberts stated that the UK, as a major donor, should be interrogating where its funding is going to. There are local organisations working on the ground directly with communities who are in need. Dr Roberts explained that MSF does not have the financial backing or capacity required to support Sudan to the same level that the United Nations (UN) can. As a Member State, the UK must hold the UN to account for its responsibilities.
The event opened to questions and answers with the audience. The discussion touched on topics including, MSF’s engagement with the media, how to mobilise people and keep them interested in the context of Sudan, and what types of support is offered by MSF to survivors of sexual violence. Sonal Marwah explained that MSF provides comprehensive programme which incorporates both physical and mental support elements and links survivors to agencies who can provide legal support.
Baroness Hodgson concluded the event with a final question to the panellists: what are the next steps? The speakers provided the following crucial recommendations:
- The UK must use its position as the third largest donor of the United Nations to question the role it has been playing up until now.
- For short-term humanitarian responses, the UK must ensure their funding reaches the local groups who can access communities.
- Looking to external actors, the UK must leverage its role internationally to influence other states who are sustaining this conflict.
Baroness Hodgson thanked the speakers, the organisers and all who attended.
*For further details please email appg-wps@gaps-uk.org.*