The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has released a damning report on the ongoing human rights crisis in Sudan, highlighting the systematic and deliberate attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and widespread violations of international law. The report underscores the failure of both warring parties to adhere to the rules of international humanitarian and human rights law, leading to a surge in atrocities across the country.
In a recorded statement, UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan expressed grave concern over the entrenched impunity that has allowed these violations to escalate. “The fighting continues to spread to more parts of Sudan, with additional armed actors becoming involved, exacerbating the crisis,” Al-Kheetan said.
The OHCHR report documents a range of abuses, including attacks on densely populated areas, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, healthcare facilities, markets, and schools. It reveals harrowing cases of summary executions, sexual violence, and other grave violations, many of which may amount to war crimes. The UN has called for urgent investigations into these acts, with a focus on holding perpetrators accountable.
“The continued and deliberate targeting of civilians, along with acts of summary executions and sexual violence, demonstrates the utter failure of both parties to respect international law,” Al-Kheetan added. “These are serious crimes that must be investigated and prosecuted promptly and impartially.”
The report also calls for further investigations to determine if other atrocity crimes, including crimes against humanity, have been committed, urging the international community to expand the arms embargo and broaden the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to cover all of Sudan, not just the Darfur region.
The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan remains a particularly shocking element of the conflict. Al-Kheetan stressed the need for immediate action to prevent further abuse, hold the responsible parties accountable, and provide necessary support and redress for survivors.
The UN human rights office emphasized the importance of accountability in ending the cycle of violence and impunity in Sudan. “Regardless of the rank or affiliation of those responsible, accountability is crucial to breaking the ongoing cycle of violations,” Al-Kheetan concluded.
