In November 2023, the Joint UN Human Rights Office conducted a mission to South Sudan, assessing the human rights situation of Sudanese refugees. The report documented significant violations by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, looting, and sexual violence. These violations demonstrate a failure to adhere to international law and highlight the dire need for effective protection of civilians.
The Joint UN Human Rights Office in Sudan recently conducted a comprehensive monitoring mission to South Sudan between November 21 and 30, 2023. This mission aimed to assess the human rights conditions of Sudanese refugees who fled ongoing conflicts stemming from the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began on April 15, 2023. The findings of this mission highlight a variety of severe violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and humanitarian law (IHL) occurring amidst this unrest.
The report uncovered numerous breaches of civilian safety, including indiscriminate attacks leading to civilian casualties, targeting of residential areas, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure. Moreover, the mission documented instances of looting, sexual violence related to the conflict, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and the displacement of populations due to threats and violence perpetrated by the conflicting parties. Notably, the RSF and their allied Arab militias, as well as the SAF, were identified as culprits in these violations.
In accordance with the Host Country Agreement established on September 26, 2019, the Joint Human Rights Office is mandated to monitor and report violations and abuses of human rights. The report reported the tragic deaths of sixty-seven civilians—comprising 47 men, six women, and 14 children—with significant occurrences in the Khartoum and Darfur regions. Victims were specifically targeted based on their race, ethnicity, political affiliations, and economic circumstances, particularly in South Darfur. Additionally, acts of torture, sexual violence, forced disappearances, and systematic looting were extensively documented.
The evidence collected suggests a pervasive failure among all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to and uphold the principles of international law, particularly those governing the conduct of hostilities and the safeguarding of protected persons. Furthermore, the deteriorating state authority, particularly in the Darfur and Khartoum regions, presents considerable challenges for effectively preventing and remedying these human rights violations and ensuring the protection of civilians in this conflict-laden environment.
The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, primarily between the SAF and the RSF, has led to significant humanitarian crises, including mass displacements and widespread human rights violations. The situation has necessitated international monitoring and documentation efforts to address and respond to these challenges. The impact of these conflicts extends beyond national borders, affecting neighboring countries such as South Sudan, where Sudanese refugees have sought refuge. This mission aims to provide a clear understanding of the human rights violations occurring in this context and to advocate for protective measures for vulnerable populations.
The findings of the Joint UN Human Rights Office’s mission illustrate a critical need for international intervention and oversight in light of the gross human rights violations occurring in Sudan and against its refugees in South Sudan. The prevalent issues of violence against civilians, including targeted killings, sexual violence, and systematic looting, underscore a dramatic failure of the involved parties to comply with international humanitarian and human rights laws. This report is essential for raising awareness and prompting necessary actions from the international community to safeguard human rights in these devastated regions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
