Madam President,

Darfur is at a critical stage of transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. The security situation in Darfur is generally stable but still fragile, with frequent occurrences of tribal conflicts and violent lootings. Recently, UN staff, Chinese nationals included, were attacked in an armed robbery in Darfur. China hereby registers its strong condemnation and calls on the UN to effectively coordinate with the local police in Sudan, carry out a speedy investigation, and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of the UN personnel. 

The Sudanese authorities bear the primary responsibility for the maintenance of stability and the protection of civilians following the withdrawal of UNAMID. It is an imminent task to strengthen the security capacity-building of the Sudanese authorities, which has been negatively impacted by the arms embargo. The Security Council should adjust the sanctions measures in a timely manner in light of the changing dynamics. Resolution 2620 that was just adopted calls for setting benchmarks for adjusting the sanctions against Sudan by a set date. China expresses support of this idea by voting for on the draft resolution.

It should be noted that the Security Council Resolution 2562 adopted last year called for setting benchmarks for adjusting sanctions against Sudan by September 15, 2021. Regrettably, the provisions of the above-mentioned Resolution are yet to be implemented. The Resolution that just passed resets the deadline for setting clear, well-defined and realistic benchmarks to August 31 of this year. China looks forward to working with members of the Council to implement all these requirements.

Thank you, Madam President.