The UN expert on human rights in Sudan, Radhouane Nouicer, has issued a poignant plea to the warring factions in Sudan as the country grapples with a harrowing human rights crisis. With the armed conflict in its 10th month, Nouicer has urged for an immediate cessation of violence, a transition to civilian rule, and justice for victims.
Expressing deep dismay over the protracted violence, Nouicer emphasized the relentless suffering endured by the people of Sudan. The conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in pervasive human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. Nouicer stressed the critical need for both sides to demonstrate the political will to end the bloodshed and prioritize the well-being of the citizens.
In his interactions with Sudanese civil society representatives, Nouicer encountered distressing reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and alarming cases of sexual violence against women and girls. He also condemned the surge in ethnically motivated violence and the recruitment of children into armed groups, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and concrete actions to address these grave atrocities.
Furthermore, Nouicer highlighted the debilitating impact of the conflict on Sudan’s food security, with 18 million people facing acute hunger. The obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery due to ongoing hostilities and bureaucratic impediments has exacerbated the crisis, compelling Nouicer to call for unimpeded access for aid organizations and the government’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and facilitating aid distribution.
The UN expert’s appeal extended to the international community, urging concerted efforts to chart a comprehensive roadmap to end the violence in Sudan. Nouicer emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and a unified approach to facilitate the transfer of power to a transitional civilian-led government, acknowledging the urgent need to mitigate the staggering humanitarian toll inflicted by the conflict.
Since the conflict’s onset, thousands of civilians have perished, and millions have been displaced, with over 1.5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The scale of devastation underscores the imperative for immediate action to safeguard the rights and well-being of Sudan’s population.
Nouicer’s resolute call to action resonates as a clarion plea for swift and decisive measures to avert further humanitarian catastrophe and foster sustainable peace in Sudan.
