A new Oxford-based civil-society initiative is preparing to launch a campaign aimed at bringing an end to the war in Sudan.
Oxford Call for Peace in Sudan will formally begin its work in Oxford on Friday, October 30.
Formed by its General Assembly earlier in October, the organisation seeks to bring people and institutions together in support of a halt to the violence, safeguards for civilians and negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
Its stated purpose is to increase coordinated civic activity and strengthen links between campaigners for peace in the UK and elsewhere.
A spokesperson also emphasised the importance of British parliamentarians keeping Sudan on the political agenda and backing practical steps towards peace.
The initiative is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan civil-society effort.
Its objectives include encouraging dialogue, building solidarity within communities, backing humanitarian work for people affected by the fighting in Sudan and developing programmes covering peacebuilding, assistance, education and community recovery.
Another part of its plan is to connect Sudanese communities in Britain with international civil society organisations.
Among its specific aims are calls for a permanent ceasefire, greater protection for civilians, dialogue between Sudanese anti-war groups and increased reconciliation within communities.
The launch gathering is expected to include Sudanese organisations from across England, as well as British and international civil society representatives, community leaders, academics and peace supporters.
Presentations will outline the organisation, its purpose and forthcoming activities.
Invited community representatives and organisations will also contribute, with sessions addressing cooperation, partnerships and humanitarian work.
A Sudanese cultural day featuring traditional music, singing and artistic performances is also planned.
According to the spokesperson, lasting peace in Sudan depends on collective action and solidarity between communities and organisations committed to humanitarian principles.
Sudan has been involved in civil war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The violence followed a power struggle concerning leadership of the country’s military and attempts to restore civilian government.
Former Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper travelled to Adre, in Chad near the Sudanese border, where she met women who had fled the conflict.
Millions have been displaced from their homes, while aid organisations have warned of famine and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Fighting persists in several regions, including Darfur, and the SAF and RSF have both been accused of serious human rights abuses and war crimes.
A poster promoting the launch was credited to Bashir Ahmed.