Foreign Minister Bob Carr today supported growing international calls for an immediate and unconditional end to the escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

Senator Bob Carr called for the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to cease military action and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate the conflict.

"Sudan and South Sudan must urgently heed the calls of the international community and return, without delay, to talks under the auspices of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel.

"It is vital they rejoin discussions with a view to resolving outstanding matters peacefully through negotiation.

"The people of Sudan and South Sudan have suffered enough. Sudan and South Sudan must make protection of civilians a priority and comply with international law," Senator Carr said.

Australia has an ongoing commitment to peace and development in Sudan and South Sudan.

The Australian Government is providing up to 25 Australian Defence Force personnel and 10 Australian Federal Police to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and provides ongoing humanitarian and development assistance to South Sudan.

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