UN Report Highlights Human Rights Violations Faced by Sudanese Refugees in South Sudan
The Joint UN Human Rights Office conducted a mission to South Sudan from November 21 to 30, 2023, assessing human rights violations against Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict. The report documents indiscriminate attacks, civilian casualties, and widespread abuses, highlighting challenges in protecting civilians amidst the ongoing violence between the SAF and RSF. The findings indicate significant violations of international law and call for urgent international intervention to safeguard affected populations.
The Joint UN Human Rights Office recently conducted a nine-day mission to South Sudan from November 21 to November 30, 2023, aimed at assessing the human rights conditions of Sudanese refugees who fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This report documents alleged violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) amidst the violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began on April 15, 2023.
During the assessment, the Joint Human Rights Team identified grievous violations, including indiscriminate attacks that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, acts of violence against civilian infrastructure such as homes, schools, and hospitals, and widespread looting. The report highlights instances of conflict-related sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and forced displacement driven by violence or threats from both the RSF—alongside allied Arab militias—and the SAF.
Notably, approximately sixty-seven civilians, comprising 47 men, 6 women, and 14 children, lost their lives, predominantly in the Khartoum and Darfur regions. Many victims were believed to have been targeted due to their ethnic backgrounds, political affiliations, or economic statuses. The mission also documented cases of torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, further illustrating the gravity of the violations occurring within these regions.
The findings indicate a disturbing disregard for the principles of international law among all parties involved, as breaches of IHL and potential war crimes were observed, showing a failure to protect civilians and ensure compliance with the law. The diminishing state authority in both Khartoum and Darfur significantly hampers the ability to prevent, address, and respond to these urgent human rights violations, thereby undermining the safety and protection of civilians in conflict.
This mission underscores the dire need for international attention and intervention to uphold human rights and restore order in the regions affected by the ongoing violence, emphasizing the importance of accountability for the perpetrators of these atrocities.
In conclusion, the report from the Joint UN Human Rights Office sheds light on the alarming escalation of human rights violations in Sudan, primarily affecting civilian populations and calling for immediate action to protect those at risk. The acknowledgment of these abuses is a crucial step toward achieving accountability and justice for the victims.
The report finishes by urging the international community to increase its efforts in monitoring, protecting, and addressing the humanitarian needs of Sudanese refugees and the ongoing challenges presented by the conflict.
This report arises from a mission conducted by the Joint UN Human Rights Office in Sudan to South Sudan, with a specific focus on Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence in Sudan since April 2023. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, prompting a need for in-depth monitoring and documentation of human rights violations affecting civilians. The report emphasizes the necessity of international oversight and intervention to ensure compliance with international law and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The findings of the Joint UN Human Rights Office reflect a dire situation for Sudanese civilians amidst ongoing conflict, with numerous reports of severe human rights abuses that necessitate urgent international attention. The substantial loss of life and widespread violations of both international humanitarian law and human rights law underscore the critical need for accountability and protections for the affected civilian population. Addressing these urgent humanitarian needs and restoring order is essential to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
