UN Accuses Warring Parties in Sudan of Disregarding International Law

The United Nations condemns the warring factions in Sudan for ignoring international law, urging both sides to protect civilians and abide by humanitarian principles amid ongoing conflict.

On Tuesday, Nada Al-Nashif, the Deputy High Commissioner for UN Human Rights stated that both sides involved in the Sudan conflict are exhibiting a complete disregard for international law.

Speaking at the 57th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Al-Nashif addressed a range of global concerns such as political instability, setbacks on women’s rights and infringements on freedom of press and expression.

According to Al-Nashif, our office is disturbed by the use of sexual violence as a weapon during the conflict. We have recorded 97 incidents with around 172 victims who are predominantly women and girls, but this falls short in reflecting actual occurrences.”

U.N.-supported experts on human rights recommended the establishment of an “independent and unbiased unit” to safeguard Sudanese civilians during war last week. The report accused both sides of perpetrating crimes such as murder, disfigurement, and torture against each other while cautioning that foreign nations who provide armed support or financial aid may bear responsibility for complicity in these horrendous acts.

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In October, the U.N.’s primary human rights organization established a fact-finding group. Their inaugural report alleges that the Rapid Support Forces and their supporters – who are currently engaged in combat against Sudan’s military forces – have committed crimes against humanity such as sexual slavery, rape, and discrimination based on gender or ethnicity.

The specialists suggested that the arms embargo imposed on Sudan’s turbulent western Darfur area be extended to cover the whole nation.

As over 10 million individuals have been displaced, with more than 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring nations and one major camp in Darfur afflicted by famine, the results obtained from the taskforce assigned by the Human Rights Council consisting of 47 countries are disclosed.

Thousands of people have lost their lives due to the conflict which broke out in April 2023, with humanitarian groups contending hard to reach out those who require immediate assistance.

Under the influence of military leadership, the U.N. Security Council voted in December to terminate its political mission in that country.

Other sources include the AP.