War Crimes and Human Rights Abuses in Sudan Exposed by UN Report

The 30-month-long conflict in Sudan between rival militaries has led to widespread destruction, including looting, burning, and shelling, that has destroyed livelihoods and hope. The latest report to the UN Human Rights Council, published by the UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, documents war crimes and human rights violations perpetrated by all parties to the conflict. The report, "A War of Atrocities," found that both the Sudanese army (SAF) and the RSF militia have directed large-scale attacks against civilians and vital infrastructure, constituting serious violations of international law.

Key Takeaways:

• The report found that both the SAF and the RSF have directed large-scale attacks against civilians, constituting serious violations of international law.
• Systematic human rights abuses have been committed, including executions, torture, and rape, with civilians being targeted for their real or perceived affiliation with the opposing side.
• The RSF intentionally directed attacks against non-Arab communities in the besieged Darfuri city of El Fasher and the surrounding region, increasing the toll on the world's fastest-growing displacement crisis.
• As of July, 12.1 million people have fallen victim to forced displacement in Sudan.
• Violence against women has been widespread, with many civilians reporting sexual assault, and receiving psychological or medical support is nearly impossible due to fear of retaliation and regular attacks on hospitals.
• Over 84 Sudanese humanitarian workers were killed, and more were arbitrarily detained between the start of war in April 2023 and April this year due to intentional attacks and kidnappings.
• Humanitarian aid continues to be delayed or obstructed, with a drone attack against a joint World Food Programme and UNICEF convoy in June resulting in the deaths of five humanitarian workers.

Statistics:

• 12.1 million people have fallen victim to forced displacement in Sudan as of July.
• 84 Sudanese humanitarian workers were killed, and more were arbitrarily detained between the start of war in April 2023 and April this year.
• 5 humanitarian workers died in a drone attack against a joint World Food Programme and UNICEF convoy in June.

Sources:

• "A War of Atrocities" report to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) [1]
• UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) [2]
• United Nations Human Rights Council [3]
• FFM expert Mona Rishmawi [4]
• FFM chair Mohamed Chande Othman [5]
• Independent investigators, including Joy Ngozi Ezeilo [6]