While the world is watching on, Sudan is, in the words of UN Secretary General António Guterres, spiralling out of control. The Yale humanitarian research lab has described the genocide and killings as happening at a velocity and ferocity not seen since the genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s. Since the civil war began, 15 million people have been displaced. More than 150,000 have been killed in the conflict, at an estimate. Mass sexual violence is taking place, traumatising the nation. One UN report indicates sexual assaults on children as young as one year old. With millions on the brink of starvation, famine setting in and all the violence and killing, what can we do with our EU allies and allies in the region to help a humanitarian response to end the killing and suffering in Sudan?

This is the largest and most horrific humanitarian crisis in the world right now. It is also the one that is probably spoken about least, so I particularly thank the Deputy for raising it. This country has called for an immediate cessation of the atrocities in Sudan, following the takeover of the city of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces. I am horrified by recent reports that the RSF has carried out large-scale, ethnically motivated atrocities, summary executions, sexual and gender-based violence and detention of civilians. These criminal acts must end. All parties to the conflict need to adhere to their commitments and obligations. They need to enable humanitarian access in line with their international humanitarian and human rights obligations. I have been working to highlight this issue, as has Ireland, at EU and international level. We have asked that it be a specific agenda item at the Foreign Affairs Council due to take place in Brussels this month. I will raise the views of the Deputy, this House and the Government on the need to do more to support the people of Sudan.

We have provided €14.3 million in humanitarian support this year to people in Sudan and refugees in neighbouring countries. Irish Aid support is making a difference on the ground but the Deputy is right to highlight this. It is not getting nearly enough attention. The level of slaughter is quite horrific. I will update the Deputy after I attend the Foreign Affairs Council.