Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, 1,800 people have lost their lives and 1.5 million have been displaced. The International Union of Architects (UIA) expresses its profound sadness at the immense difficulties, destruction and loss of life faced by those caught up in this man-made catastrophe. On behalf of the architectural community, the UIA calls for solidarity with Sudanese architects and with all victims of the conflict.
The UIA strongly believes in the power of architecture to shape a sustainable society and improve the lives of citizens around the world. During times of conflict, the built environment often becomes a target, leading to the destruction of invaluable infrastructure and architectural heritage. The UIA offers its unconditional support to the Sudanese Institute of Architects (SIA) and remains at their disposal for any specific assistance that it can provide.
The architectural heritage of Sudan holds immense cultural and historical value. The UIA recognises the importance of protecting these architectural treasures, as outlined by the UNESCO Hague Convention and resolution 2347 of the UN Security Council.
The UIA calls for an end to this tragic conflict and reminds all its collaborators of the Addendum to the Preamble of the UIA Statutes and Bylaws, adopted in Madrid, Spain, in 2022:
Within its responsibilities and scope of action (as a UN-recognised NGO), the UIA shall advocate for human dignity and the eradication of all forms of violence, discrimination, and inequity, and promote environmental and climate conditions that allow life in ecosystem balance and the well-being of humanity.
