U.N.-backed human rights investigators are advocating for the establishment of an “independent and impartial force” to safeguard civilians caught in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Both sides are being held accountable for war crimes such as murder, mutilation, and torture, with a caution that foreign governments supporting them could be complicit. The experts also accused the Rapid Support Forces and their allies of committing crimes against humanity, including rape, sexual slavery, and persecution on ethnic or gender grounds.
The situation in Sudan has resulted in over 10 million people being displaced, including more than 2 million who fled to neighboring countries. Famine has surfaced in a large camp for displaced individuals in Darfur. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, numerous lives have been lost, and humanitarian organizations are facing challenges in reaching those in need. The U.N. Security Council recently decided to terminate the world body’s political mission in Sudan under pressure from military authorities.
The plea for the deployment of an independent force comes as a response to the failure of the conflicting parties to safeguard civilians. The experts emphasized the necessity to halt the flow of arms, ammunition, and other support to any side to prevent further human rights violations and violations of humanitarian law. Sexual violence remains a significant concern, with women and girls disproportionately affected by such acts.
Recent talks held in Geneva managed to make progress in delivering aid to Sudan, but participation from Sudan’s armed forces was lacking. The World Food Program has been able to transport food and nutrition supplies into Sudan, aiding thousands of individuals in need. However, challenges persist in reaching certain areas under siege, like the North Darfur capital besieged by the RSF.
The fact-finding team faces limitations in directly influencing the crisis on the ground but plays a vital role in shedding light on rights abuses and violations for the global community and the International Criminal Court. The need to investigate countries supplying weapons and funding to conflicting parties has been highlighted as a crucial step in addressing the prolonged conflict in Sudan.
