UN Expert Sounds Alarm on Worsening Human Rights Situation in Sudan

During his visit to Port Sudan, Nouicer engaged in discussions with Sudanese authorities, including the Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and key acting Ministers.

Radhouane Nouicer, the Designated Expert on Sudan for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan as the conflict spreads to new areas.

“Since the start of this senseless conflict last year, the civilian population in Sudan has been exposed to unprecedented levels of violence and suffering. As always in times of war, it is civilians who are bearing the brunt. The scale and magnitude of human rights violations and abuses committed in Sudan are appalling,” said Nouicer in a statement at the end of his five-day visit to Port Sudan.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 15, 2023, involving the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and their respective allied armed groups.

Nouicer's Visit and Key Meetings:

During his visit to Port Sudan, Nouicer engaged in discussions with Sudanese authorities, including the Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and key acting Ministers. These discussions were described as frank and transparent, conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Four Key Priority Areas: “In my meetings, I urged authorities to immediately take action on four key priority areas,” Nouicer said.

Protection of Civilians: Authorities were urged to protect civilians by refraining from indiscriminate attacks, especially the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas.

Humanitarian Access: Nouicer called for unhindered humanitarian access, including speeding up administrative processes to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: Authorities were advised to refrain from arbitrarily arresting and detaining people, including civil society actors.

Accountability: Ensuring accountability for all human rights violations and abuses, regardless of the perpetrators, was emphasized.

Direct Observations:

Nouicer also interacted with displaced communities and witnessed firsthand the impact of the conflict on their lives. “I was appalled by the conditions in which people have been obliged to live, under scorching temperatures, with limited access to essential services such as water, sanitation and hygiene, including female hygiene products, food, and healthcare,” he stated.

Call for Ceasefire and Peace Process:

Nouicer stressed that the conflict in Sudan has resulted in an unprecedented protection crisis. “It is high time for the Sudanese leadership to cease hostilities and to engage in a comprehensive and inclusive peace process. Every country that has influence or leverage should aim to reach and support this goal,” he urged.

Compliance with International Measures:

Nouicer reminded all actors of their obligation to comply with the arms embargo measures as stipulated in Security Council resolution 1556 (2004). He further noted that under international human rights law, arms-exporting countries could be held responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to prevent, investigate, punish, and ensure reparations for human rights violations and abuses resulting from arms transfers.

 

The alarm raised by Nouicer underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action and support to address the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan. The international community's involvement is crucial in pushing for a ceasefire and supporting a comprehensive peace process to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.