UN Urges Immediate Deployment of Peacekeeping Force in Sudan

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On Friday, UN experts called for the immediate deployment of an “independent and neutral” force in Sudan to protect civilians from the atrocities being committed, amid expectations of horrific war crimes.

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In a report, experts appointed by the Human Rights Council concluded that the warring parties have “committed a series of horrific human rights violations and international crimes, many of which can be described as war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Mohamed Shandi Osman, head of the fact-finding mission on Sudan, stated that “the severity of these findings underscores the urgent need for immediate action to protect civilians.”

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The Human Rights Council established this mission late last year to document human rights violations occurring in the country since the outbreak of war in April 2023 between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. While the actual toll of the conflict remains unclear, estimates suggest it could reach “150,000.” Additionally, more than ten million people have been displaced within Sudan or fled to neighboring countries, according to UN figures. The fighting has caused widespread destruction of the country’s infrastructure, with more than three-quarters of health facilities out of service.

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Osman said, “Given that both warring parties have not avoided harming civilians, it is crucial to deploy an independent and neutral force with a mandate to protect civilians without delay.” These experts do not speak on behalf of the UN.

Osman added, “Protecting civilians is crucial, and all parties must adhere to their obligations under international law and cease all attacks against civilians immediately and unconditionally.”

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The experts, who are also calling for a ceasefire, have requested that the Sudanese authorities allow them to visit the country four times. As is customary in such cases, the report was sent to the government for comment but has remained unanswered.

According to the report, it has been proven that the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, along with their allies, are “responsible for widespread violations, including direct and indiscriminate attacks such as airstrikes and shelling against civilians, schools, hospitals, communication networks, and essential supplies like water and electricity.”

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The warring parties have also targeted civilians “through acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment.”

The report indicates that they have committed enough violations to “constitute war crimes.”

The experts, who were able to meet with displaced individuals from the conflict in neighboring countries to Sudan and 182 direct victims of the violations and their relatives, hope that the arms embargo will be extended to all of Sudan. They also call for the authorities to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and hand over former president Omar al-Bashir.

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Additionally, these experts demand the establishment of an international judicial mechanism exclusively for Sudan.

Mona Rashmawi, a member of the mission, said, “These findings should serve as a warning to the international community to take decisive action to support survivors, their families, and affected communities, and to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable.”