UN set up fact-finding mission to investigate human rights abuses in Sudan

October 11, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The UN Human Rights Council has decided to establish a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations committed by the warring parties in Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The decision was drafted by the United Kingdom and approved by a majority of Council members. The resolution establishes a three-member mission of experts in international human rights and humanitarian law, who will be appointed by the Council president for one year.

The mission’s mandate is to investigate the circumstances and root causes of crimes and violations committed during the conflict, including those committed against refugees. The mission will also collect and analyze evidence of violations and abuses, with a view to future legal proceedings. Additionally, the mission will identify those responsible for human rights and humanitarian law violations, with a view to ensuring accountability.

The fact-finding mission will have a specific focus on the human rights and humanitarian situations in the areas of most significant concern, such as Khartoum and the Darfur region. The mission will also make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures.

The Sudanese government had voiced opposition to the establishment of the mission, arguing that the text equates the army with the rebel paramilitary forces, who are known for human rights violations.

The resolution also requests the Council to consider the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court into alleged international crimes committed in Darfur in the context of the current armed conflict.

The resolution calls on the army and the RSF to fully cooperate with the mission in performing its work and urges the international community to provide full support to the mission to implement its mandate.

SIHA, a women’s rights network in the Horn of Africa, applauded the Human Rights Council’s vote to establish a fact-finding mission on Sudan.

The women’s group, which campaigns against conflict-related sexual violence, said this decision is a crucial step to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses and war crimes accountable.

Also a local advocacy group, Emergency Lawyers, has welcomed the decision to establish a fact-finding mission, stressing the continuation of their work for human rights and justice in Sudan, and pledging to harness their capabilities to ensure the success of the mission’s work.

(ST)