EU backs UN report on Sudan atrocities, demands accountability
September 9, 2024 (BRUSSELS) – The European Union (EU) has commended a United Nations report that details widespread human rights abuses and war crimes in Sudan, saying those responsible be held accountable.
The report provides evidence that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alongside their affiliated militias, have committed serious violations of international law, many of which amount to war crimes.
The EU vowed to collaborate with international bodies to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
It expects the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants and has already imposed sanctions on some individuals.
The bloc also supports extending the UN arms embargo from Darfur to the entire Sudan, urging other nations to do the same. It reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and independent monitoring mechanisms.
The EU reaffirmed its solidarity with the Sudanese people during this challenging period.
This comes a day after a human rights entity renewed calls for expansion of arms embargo in Sudan, amid concerns that the warring parties in its conflict have acquired foreign-made weapons used in the war.
In a statement issued on Monday, Human Rights Watch accused the SAF and the RSF of being responsible for widespread war crimes and other atrocities in Sudan’s current conflict.
The group urged the United Nations Security Council to renew and expand the arms embargo and its restrictions on the Darfur region to all of Sudan and hold violators to account.
(ST)