The delegation of Senegal is very pleased to have joined a coalition of both majority- and non-majority-Muslim states to write a resolution in the World Health Assembly (WHA). This resolution focuses on a diverse array of healthcare measures for vulnerable women, children and adolescents and will serve as a public decree on our shared commitment to improving the wellbeing of those who need it most around the globe. However, it is the belief of this delegation and the nation it represents that special attention must be paid to a particular matter: the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Since last year, horrific and indiscriminate violence has decimated the North African country of Sudan. The two warring factions both have shown little regard for the sanctity of human life, nor the conventional rules of war developed over many years by the United Nations. 

The consequences of these deeply alarming actions for women, children and adolescents is particularly concerning. Senegal is a country which values economic progress, innovation, healthcare, education and human rights. These are ideals which we, as citizens of the 21st century, should have ample opportunity to pursue unencumbered. The tragic reality, however, is that many countries, with Sudan serving as the paradigm example, are failing to provide even the most basic of protections to its people. Senegal wonders at what point, if ever, bodies like the UN and its WHA can move beyond the provision of basic life-sustaining support. As a collective humanity and as representatives of our home countries, let us strive for a day when higher-minded ideals are the main consideration. Basic human rights such as food, water, shelter, education and indeed, healthcare should be taken as starting points in today’s resource and information-rich world. We all must reflect on why this is currently not the case. Beyond mere reflection though, we must take decisive action to ensure the safe, happy, healthy future which all people ought to have.