DNHR Joins Coalition Call for Renewal of UN Fact-Finding Mission On Sudan

The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) has joined a coalition of six other human rights organizations in calling for the United Nations Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. The appeal follows the release of a recent mission report detailing the escalation of military operations, the role of external support networks, and ongoing human rights violations against civilians.

The mission’s report highlights the increased use of long-range drones by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Investigators concluded that these operations have resulted in serious violations of international law, including potential war crimes, with documented strikes impacting hospitals, schools, markets, and displacement sites.

Furthermore, the report identifies transnational networks that facilitate the recruitment, training, and deployment of fighters, as well as the supply of weapons and technical assistance. The coalition argues that this external support has enabled the conflict parties to expand their military reach, despite previous warnings regarding the risk of genocide in El Fasher.

The seven organizations signing the statement include the DNHR, the Committee for Justice, the AWAFY Sudanese Organization, the Sudan Rights Watch Network, the Doroty Center for Justice and Accountability, the Kayn for Women Empowerment Organization, and the Al Salam Organization for Humanitarian Aid. The signatories contend that the mission’s work is essential for mapping the structures that sustain the conflict, including financing and arms supply routes, which they believe is necessary for future accountability efforts.

The coalition emphasized that an independent investigative mechanism remains vital due to restricted access to information within Sudan and the Sudanese government’s lack of cooperation with the mission. They are urging the UN Human Rights Council to ensure the mission is fully resourced and its mandate preserved.

In addition to the renewal of the mandate, the coalition is calling on the international community to implement the report’s recommendations. These include halting weapons and drone transfers to parties involved in the conflict, strengthening arms-tracking mechanisms, and pursuing accountability for those who finance or enable the violence. The DNHR stated that civilian protection and accountability in Sudan cannot be achieved without transparent, independent investigations.

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Darfur Network For Human Rights