Geneva, As the armed conflict in Sudan enters its tenth month, Radhouane Nouicer, the UN expert on human rights in the country, has expressed deep concern over the worsening human rights situation. He urged immediate action to end the violence, transition to civilian rule, and address the demands of victims for peace and justice.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nouicer highlighted the ongoing suffering of the Sudanese people amidst the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Despite international mediation efforts, a peaceful resolution remains elusive, perpetuating a cycle of violence that has led to widespread human rights and international humanitarian law violations.
Nouicer emphasized the need for political will from both sides to end the violence. Since the conflict’s onset in April last year, thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, over 7.6 million people have been displaced, and at least 25 million, including 14 million children, require assistance. He condemned the complete disregard shown by both parties for international human rights and humanitarian laws, especially in the conduct of hostilities.
In his interactions with Sudanese civil society representatives, Nouicer reported hearing horrific accounts of human suffering, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and sexual violence, primarily attributed to the Rapid Support Forces and their allied militias. He also condemned the ethnically motivated violence and hate speech, particularly in the Darfur region, and expressed alarm over the conscription of children and the mobilization of civilians into resistance groups.
The expert denounced the failure of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to investigate and prosecute gross violations and abuses committed during the conflict. He called for prompt and thorough investigations into all violations and abuses, holding those responsible accountable.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation, Nouicer noted that 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger, yet delivering aid remains a challenge due to hostilities, insecurity, attacks on humanitarian workers, and bureaucratic obstacles. He stressed the Government of Sudan’s responsibility to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid access.
Nouicer urged the international community to develop a unified and coordinated roadmap to end the violence and support a national dialogue in Sudan involving political parties and civilian groups. This dialogue should aim at transitioning power to a civilian-led government.
The expert plans to visit Port Sudan in February ahead of the 55th Human Rights Council session scheduled for March 2024.