Geneva – Committee for Justice (CFJ) welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council of its resolution on the human rights situation in and around El Obeid in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. CFJ considers the resolution an important response to the growing warnings of the risk of mass atrocities against civilians and a clear demonstration of the international community’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection and accountability.
This is the first Human Rights Council resolution to focus specifically on El Obeid, adopted in response to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in North Kordofan and the increasing risks facing hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped by the conflict.
CFJ particularly welcomes the resolution’s strong condemnation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, attacks on humanitarian convoys, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and conflict-related sexual violence. The resolution also reiterates the urgent need for humanitarian access, civilian protection, a humanitarian truce leading to an immediate ceasefire, and the protection of humanitarian, medical and local relief workers.
The organization also welcomes the Council’s request for the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan to conduct an urgent inquiry into violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and related international crimes allegedly committed in and around El Obeid, and to report its findings to both the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly. This represents an important step towards strengthening international accountability efforts for crimes committed in Sudan.
CFJ further welcomes the inclusion of the Banjul Joint Declaration, adopted in May 2026, in the preambular section of the resolution. The explicit recognition of cooperation, complementarity and coordination between the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan represents a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between regional and international human rights mechanisms.
The organization also welcomes the resolution’s recognition of the vital role played by Sudanese human rights defenders, humanitarian and medical workers, and local responders in documenting violations, preserving evidence and delivering life-saving assistance under extremely difficult conditions, while calling for their protection.
At the same time, CFJ notes that some important recommendations put forward during the negotiations were not reflected in the final text. These include language encouraging the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to engage in good faith with the confidence-building measures proposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as clearer language affirming that strengthening the role of the Office of the High Commissioner should complement—not replace—the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.
Ahmed Mefreh, Executive Director of Committee for Justice, stated:
“The adoption of this resolution sends an important message that the international community is closely monitoring the alarming developments in El Obeid and is prepared to act to prevent further atrocities. Its real value, however, will depend on effective implementation, adequate support for the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, and continued international engagement to ensure accountability and protect civilians.”
Committee for Justice remains committed to documenting serious human rights violations in Sudan, cooperating with United Nations and African human rights mechanisms, and supporting all efforts aimed at protecting civilians, combating impunity, and securing justice for victims.