Prime Minister issues a Decision to ensure Humanitarian access in Sudan
Nyala: Alsudanianews
The Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Eltaishi, has issued Decision No. (3) of 2025 on ensuring Humanitarian Access, in accordance with the Transitional Constitution and Sudan’s obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.
The Decision aims to establish binding measures to ensure swift, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need across the country. It reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Key Provisions of the Decision:
– Authorities are required to decide on visa and residency applications for humanitarian workers within two weeks.
– Humanitarian shipments are exempt from customs duties and taxes, with all clearance procedures to be completed within seven working days.
– Humanitarian organizations are granted full freedom of movement across the country, with requests for movement permits to be approved within seven days.
– Humanitarian operations are permitted by land, air, and river to facilitate the delivery of aid, with crossing points, airports, and ports to be designated later.
– The Decision prohibits any unlawful charges on humanitarian shipments or linking aid to political, ethnic, or religious considerations. It further criminalizes any assault, harassment, or obstruction of humanitarian workers and beneficiaries.
– Any government employee or entity found obstructing humanitarian access shall be subject to administrative and criminal accountability, including penalties that may extend to dismissal, imprisonment, and fines.
The Decision further mandates the establishment of the National Authority for Humanitarian Access under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister, to serve as the central body responsible for managing visa procedures, customs clearances, movement permits, and overall coordination of humanitarian operations with international agencies and organizations working in Sudan. The Authority is also required to submit monthly reports on the implementation of these measures.
The Decision stressed the commitment of all ministries, states, and other public authorities to ensure its full implementation, while cancelling any legal texts or practices that contradict its provisions. The Decision will enter into force one month after its publication in the Official Gazette.
