UN Experts Urge Independent Force to Protect Sudanese Civilians Amid Atrocities

UN-backed human rights investigators recommended creating an 'independent and impartial force' to protect civilians in Sudan's war. Both sides face allegations of war crimes, including murder and torture. The team called for an arms embargo on Sudan and warned foreign governments against arming the conflicting parties.

UN-backed human rights investigators on Friday called for the establishment of an 'independent and impartial force' to protect civilians caught in Sudan's escalating war, citing widespread atrocities committed by both warring factions.

The new report, the first from the fact-finding team since its creation by the UN Human Rights Council last October, highlighted numerous war crimes, including murder, mutilation, and torture. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and their allies were specifically accused of crimes against humanity, such as rape and sexual slavery, targeting victims based on ethnicity and gender.

As the conflict continues to displace millions and exacerbate famine conditions, the call for an independent force marks a desperate plea from human rights advocates. The UN experts emphasized the necessity of an immediate arms embargo on the entire country, warning that foreign entities supplying weapons could be complicit in severe human rights violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)