UN Rights Council approves Sudan Fact-Finding mission

The UN Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution calling for an investigation into alleged atrocities committed in and around El Fasher. The resolution, passed without a vote, instructs the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan to examine recent violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and to identify those believed responsible.

The resolution condemns the RSF’s assault on El Fasher and cites reports of ethnically targeted killings, torture, summary executions, forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, and widespread sexual violence. It also demands unrestricted humanitarian access and greater protection for civilians trapped by the fighting.

During the debate, many member states expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation and supported stronger accountability measures, including cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Others condemned foreign interference and urged countries backing the RSF to withdraw their support.

The Representative of the United Kingdom, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said: “the atrocities reported after the fall of El-Fasher to the RSF are horrific. Summary executions, sexual violence, abductions. This is not merely a human rights and humanitarian emergency it is a threat to regional stability and test of international resolve. The fact-finding mission’s work is vital to document the truth.”

Ghana’s representative, speaking for a group of African states, stated: “the African group condemns in the strongest terms possible the criminal activities against the Sudanese civilians and grave violations of human rights and the international humanitarian law perpetrated by the RSF,” adding “we strongly condemn any external interference in Sudan which is fueling the Sudanese conflict.”

The Representative of the EU, speaking for a group of nations also said “We are shocked by the credible reports of horrendous atrocities, including in the form of targeted ethnic violence, extrajudicial and summary executions, and widespread sexual and gender-based violence committed by the RSF against the civilian population. EU remains committed to supporting efforts to document, investigate and bring them to justice. Persisting impunity breeds new atrocities, as we are now witnessing in Darfur.”

Sudan’s representative accused the RSF of carrying out mass atrocities and repeated claims that the United Arab Emirates is supplying the group, an allegation the UAE later rejected in its right of reply. UAE support has nonetheless been widely reported by multiple investigations. Chad also denied allegations that it was backing the RSF.

Since the fall of El Fasher to the RSF, numerous reports and new evidence have emerged indicating widespread atrocities, including summary executions and sexual violence. Although the RSF maintains that rogue elements within its ranks are responsible, the reports, such as those from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab, have documented systemtic violence against civilians. The RSF has continued its offensive despite international calls for restraint.

Efforts by the Quad, led by the United States, to secure a ceasefire and humanitarian truce have yet to materialize. Recently, the U.S. Secretary of State acknowledged the role of external actors in the Sudan conflict and criticized the RSF’s “lack of follow” in ceasefire commitments.