Press Release
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) and five other human rights organizations have sent a letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council to urgently highlight the ongoing and alarming human rights situation in Sudan, which has worsened since April 15, 2023. They are urging the Council to address the human rights situation in its 57th session and to extend the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission for another year.
– The Importance of Extending the Mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission:
In their letter, the organizations emphasized various patterns of human rights violations in Sudan since April 2023, praising the establishment of the Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan on October 11, 2023, as a decisive response to the humanitarian crises caused by the ongoing armed conflict. They stressed that the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission must be extended for another year to fulfill its commitments.
The organizations pointed out that the Mission plays a crucial role in documenting violations, providing an impartial account of events, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Its work is essential in shedding light on the atrocities committed and supporting the victims of these violations.
The letter also emphasized that the complexity and scale of the crisis require sustained and robust international responses. Extending the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission for another year would ensure that the Mission continues its vital work, including evidence gathering, witness protection, and delivering detailed reports to the Council.
Additionally, the organizations stated that extending the Mission’s mandate would reinforce the international community’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law in Sudan. They argued that “this decision will send a clear message to all parties involved that impunity will not be tolerated, and those responsible for human rights violations will be held accountable.”
– Recommendations for the Human Rights Council:
In conclusion, the organizations recommended that the Human Rights Council, member states, and other UN agencies extend the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission to complete its tasks. They urged the warring parties in Sudan to agree to halt hostilities and engage in organized ceasefire arrangements.
They also called on the Council and member states to coordinate efforts with the multiple UN mandates for Sudan to ensure accountability, collective healing, and peace, while providing comprehensive psychological, legal, and financial support to the victims affected by the crisis.
A Devastating and Ongoing Conflict:
The power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread violence, causing both internal and external displacement. Sudan now faces the highest rate of internal displacement in the world, surpassing even the 7.2 million displaced in Syria.
Since April 15, 2023, numerous violations have been documented, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on civil liberties and freedom of expression, with journalists, activists, and human rights defenders being targeted.
The healthcare system has also been severely impacted, with hospitals and medical facilities being attacked, looted, and occupied by armed groups, resulting in acute shortages of medical supplies and essential services. Access to basic services, including food and clean water, has been restricted, endangering the lives of the population. The targeting of humanitarian workers and the looting of aid supplies have exacerbated these challenges, undermining efforts to provide relief and support to those in need.
The organizations that signed the letter include CFJ, Nazra for Feminist Studies, the Association for the Support of Darfur Victims, the African Generation Organization, the Darfur Network for Human Rights and the Kabkabiya Qadarat Initiative.
