Sudan’s military government has been battling former allied fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia for control of the vast country where more than 12 million people have been uprooted.
Millions of people have fled across the border in what is the world’s largest displacement crisis.
In an in-depth interview with UN newsthe UN Human Rights Office (OHCHRSudan’s top official, Li Fung, outlines the scale of violations occurring, the urgent need for accountability and why the courage of Sudanese communities remains a vital source of hope.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
UN news:As we celebrate Human Rights Day, how would you characterize the current human rights situation in Sudan?
Li Fung: It remains extremely serious. The situation is primarily a human rights and protection crisis, caused by two and a half years of conflict and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law across the country.
This has led to the world’s largest humanitarian emergency, mass displacement and shocking levels of hunger.
The scale and brutality of the violations we continue to document reflect a crisis that has devastated the lives of millions and deprived countless Sudanese of the basic protections to which every human being is entitled.
The devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population is difficult to put into words. Cities in ruins, families torn apart overnight, and citizens forced to make impossible choices just to survive.
But in this context, OHCHR continues to support the people of Sudan, bear witness and document violations, advocate for actions to protect human rights and support the UN and humanitarian response.
On Human Rights Day, our message is clear: the human rights of the Sudanese people must be respected. All parties must respect their obligations under international law, protect citizens and ensure accountability for violations. The people of Sudan deserve peace, justice and full respect for their basic human race.
OHCHR/Sudan
Sudanese women meet OHCHR Team in Khartoum.
UN News: Many Sudanese fear continued violations will go unpunished. What accountability mechanism currently exists and what role can OHCHR play in ensuring justice for victims in Sudan?
Li Fung: Accountability remains one of the most pressing challenges in Sudan, but despite the challenges of the current situation, several mechanisms are in place.
OHCHR, and especially our country office in Sudan, have a very important role to play in promoting accountability. We continue to document and verify violations of international law under extremely challenging circumstances, from the perspective of preserving what happened on the ground, giving a voice to survivors, victims and witnesses and ensuring that this can contribute to accountability processes.
We also report to the High Commissioner [Volker Türk]who reports to the Council for Human Rightsand this ensures that the situation in Sudan remains on the international agenda. Moreover, we engage with survivors, advocate for their rights, for their inclusion, and support efforts to rebuild and strengthen the rule of law institutions that can deliver justice.
At the international level there are also several important mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court [ICC]which has a mandate to investigate international crimes.
The ICC has also established an international, independent fact-finding mission on Sudan, whose role is complementary to our role as country office, and they are documenting violations and looking at responsibility and international crimes that may have been committed.
But among all these international efforts, it is important to emphasize domestic responsibility; and that is why we are working with various rule of law institutions, looking at capabilities to promote accountability and justice for the people of Sudan.
UN News: As we all know, access to the affected areas in Sudan and especially Darfur is extremely limited. How can the international community meaningfully support the documentation of human rights violations in these areas?
Li Fung: When it comes to responding to the crisis in Sudan, the support of the international community is in many ways crucial. First, financing the human rights response requires resources to meet the urgent needs and priorities of the people of Sudan.
Secondly, political action. Member States have an incredibly important role to play in upholding international law, using their influence to push for dialogue, for peace, for reaching a ceasefire, for effectively ending arms flows, and for promoting accountability and justice for the people of Sudan.
Documentation of violations on the ground is crucial to all these efforts, as it provides real information about efforts in response to humanitarian needs and the priorities of the population, to promote the protection of civilians through very concrete, measurable actions.
OHCHR/Sudan
The OHCHR team in Sudan listens to Sudanese women in Khartoum.
UN News: This is not the first time Sudan has witnessed such human rights violations – and many attribute it to decades of impunity. What concrete actions should the international community take to finally break this vicious circle of impunity?
Li Fung: Impunity fuels persistent cycles of violence and violations. Concrete actions can be taken, including supporting all accountability efforts, supporting fact-finding, monitoring and documentation, which will lead to accountability processes that truly call for the protection of citizens and investigations.
It is also critical to ensure accountability on the path to peace for Sudan, and to advocate for the inclusion of all voices of the Sudanese people from across the country, to achieve a sustainable, peaceful future for Sudan.
UN News: Is there finally some light at the end of the tunnel regarding the human rights situation?
Li Fung: Yes, despite the immense suffering we see and the scale of violations we continue to document, there is light, and that comes first and foremost from the Sudanese people themselves.
Despite enormous challenges, Sudanese human rights defenders, local humanitarian volunteers, and community groups and networks continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage and perseverance.
Their resilience and initiatives to support their own communities underline the urgent need for sustainable international retention, stronger protection measures and unhindered humanitarian access. Their determination, even in cities fearful of conflict, is a powerful reminder that the foundations for a just and sustainable future still exist.
I think there is also hope in the renewed attention to the situation in Sudan. It is unfortunate that, despite many warnings about the risks of atrocities and widespread violations, it was only when this happened that international attention began to be paid to Sudan. But now we must seize this moment. We will continue to stand with the people of Sudan.
#midst #unimaginable #crisis #Sudan #population #continues #exist #hope