The Joint UN Human Rights Office’s report from a mission in South Sudan documents serious human rights abuses against Sudanese refugees amid ongoing conflicts between the SAF and RSF. The report reveals numerous violations including killings, sexual violence, and property destruction with a lack of accountability. The weakening of state authority in key regions complicates the protection of civilians and enforcement of international law.
The Joint UN Human Rights Office conducted a nine-day mission from November 21 to 30, 2023, to South Sudan to assess the human rights situation faced by Sudanese refugees. The team aimed to document violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law amidst ongoing conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), noting significant risks and abuses against civilians. The mission documented indiscriminate attacks, killings, sexual violence, and property destruction, particularly affecting populations in Khartoum and Darfur. The report highlights systemic failures in the enforcement of international law by all parties involved in the conflict, exacerbated by weakened state authority.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has faced escalating violence between the SAF and RSF, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and numerous human rights abuses. The mission sought to shed light on these grievances suffered by Sudanese refugees in South Sudan, evaluating the deteriorating security situation and its implications for human rights protections. This mission aligns with the commitment made under the Host Country Agreement enabling the monitoring of such violations by the Joint Human Rights Office.
The findings of the Joint Human Rights Office’s mission underscore the urgent need for international intervention to uphold humanitarian laws and protect vulnerable populations. The multitude of reported violations demonstrates a troubling disregard for human rights and highlights the critical situation in Sudan and the pressing need for comprehensive accountability measures to address these ongoing atrocities. The report calls for immediate action from the international community to assist in addressing these severe human rights concerns.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
