PCS affiliates to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Solidarity Network
PCS affiliates to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Solidarity Network and supports the people of Sudan in their uprising to end the civil war, which began over two years ago.
PCS was invited to speak at the Mena Solidarity Network conference on 17 January and heard directly from activists and speakers, including John McDonnell MP and campaign groups such as Stand Up to Racism, Campaign Against Arms Trade, and Sudanese Women for Peace. All described how Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.
At the opening plenary, the conference heard how communities in Sudan are trapped amid destruction caused by two rival armed forces fighting for power, with civilians subjected to horrific war crimes. We heard disturbing accounts of civilians being forced to dig their own graves and then being buried alive. Women and children face targeted violence, with rape used deliberately and systematically as a weapon of war.
The day continued with workshops. One in particular focused on Women on the Frontlines: Violence, Resistance, and Survival. We heard from inspirational women who described the horrors faced by women and children, including the disappearance of their children. Famine has been declared, and social norms often mean that women eat the least and last, leaving them more severely affected by food shortages. There are no safe spaces left for women and girls.
Despite everything, roles are shifting, and the women of Sudan are mobilising. They are rising up to fight for survival and now play central roles in humanitarian efforts and the pursuit of peace. They hold vital positions in community protection, humanitarian action, and grassroots peacebuilding, supported by organisations such as UN Women. Women in Sudan have become the backbone of resistance and are demonstrating extraordinary resilience and courage. Their strength is truly inspirational and a beacon to us all.
PCS was proud to speak at this conference, standing in solidarity with the people of Sudan. We reaffirmed our union’s ongoing commitment, as highlighted in our ADC motion A295: to continue raising awareness of the Sudan crisis, to stand against all forms of oppression, racism and fascism, and to continue our campaign for justice, safety and dignity for Sudanese refugees.