Youth Parliament – Sudan Proposes Initiative: Protocol for Access to Basic Services

Press Statement

Youth Parliament – Sudan Proposes Initiative: Protocol for Access to Basic Services

In light of the ongoing conflict and the increasing complexity of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, which has resulted in a severe deterioration of civilian life due to the targeting or disruption of basic services, the Youth Parliament – Sudan proposes the “Protocol for Access to Basic Services” as a practical framework to protect civilians and ensure the continuity of vital services.

This protocol is based on the principles of International Humanitarian Law. It emphasizes that depriving civilians of water, electricity, health, and education, or targeting civilian infrastructure, represents a grave violation that may amount to war crimes. Accordingly, it calls for the complete neutralization of basic services from the conflict and the prevention of their politicization or use as a tool for pressure or collective punishment.

The initiative proposes a practical model based on empowering localities (municipalities) as the technical entities responsible for service management. This is to be done in partnership with grassroots groups—including Emergency Rooms, youth and women’s initiatives, and civil society organizations—to ensure the fair and transparent delivery of services, even under fragmented centers of military control.

It also calls for the establishment of effective coordination mechanisms, most notably a “Humanitarian Partners Chamber,” to unify efforts between local and international actors. This aims to enhance the humanitarian response and link field work to monitoring and accountability mechanisms at both the national and international levels.

The protocol underscores the necessity of protecting service providers and volunteers. It seeks to guarantee the free movement of supplies through safe corridors, while developing transparent funding mechanisms that prevent exploitation or politicization and support the continuity of services for local communities.

In this context, we demand the following:

1| Inclusion of this protocol as a binding clause in any truce agreements or humanitarian arrangements between the warring parties.

2| Commitment by military parties to neutralize basic services and ensure they are not targeted.

3| Support from the international community and UN agencies for this framework, directing funding through transparent humanitarian channels.

4| Empowerment of local communities to organize themselves within “Partnership Councils” to monitor services and document violations.

This initiative represents a serious attempt to transform humanitarian work from an emergency response into a sustainable protection system based on partnership, neutrality, and accountability.

We call upon all parties—locally and internationally—to treat this protocol as an urgent humanitarian priority and a practical step toward protecting civilians and preserving their dignity in times of war.

General Secretariat

Youth Parliament – Sudan

April 12, 2026