The Human Rights Council has addressed the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling for an immediate ceasefire and safe humanitarian corridors. The High Commissioner condemned human rights violations, emphasizing the need for urgent international action. Local women’s groups play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts despite facing severe risks. The international community is urged to increase support for these initiatives and protect civilians from war crimes.
The Human Rights Council held an enhanced dialogue regarding the situation in Sudan, where ISHR collaborated with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action (SURWA) and the WHRDMENA Coalition to condemn the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The statement emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and bolstered international support, especially for women-led humanitarian initiatives.
During the HRC58 debate, the High Commissioner condemned severe human rights abuses, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, mass killings, sexual violence, and child soldier recruitment. He stressed that many of these incidents may amount to war crimes and implored immediate international intervention for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, as the absence of action could result in further casualties.
Adama Dieng, the African Union’s Special Envoy, called for collective action, particularly from those who exert influence over the conflicting parties. He underscored the need for sanctions against those committing the most egregious human rights violations and highlighted the importance of securing political solutions that encompass all Sudanese perspectives.
Hanaa Eltigani, representing Sudanese civil society, reiterated the steadfast demands for freedom, peace, and justice, declaring that no faction—armed or otherwise—could erase these aspirations. The debate illustrated the dire circumstances faced in Sudan, with calls from various nations for a ceasefire and strong protective measures for civilians and aid workers.
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by factors such as floods and cholera, culminating in a man-made famine driven by armed groups who utilize aid as a means of warfare. Millions remain trapped in regions controlled by opposing factions, hindering their access to necessary humanitarian assistance, and the plight of women and girls is particularly severe in this context.
Local initiatives led by women’s groups have emerged as critical lifelines, although they often face harassment and punitive measures from both military factions. These groups have demonstrated resilience by providing essential services like soup kitchens, despite the significant risks involved. The international community is urged to facilitate an immediate ceasefire and protect civilians, particularly health care providers, while also addressing issues of aid diversion.
The international community must commit to preserving humanitarian access and increasing support for local organizations. Additionally, there is a strong call for the Sudanese government to investigate corruption within aid distribution channels, as the protection of civilians is paramount in light of reported war crimes. Civil society expresses alarm over the shrinking civic space and ongoing assaults on freedom of expression, which further complicate the humanitarian relief efforts.
The situation in Sudan necessitates immediate global attention and action to halt humanitarian crises stemming from armed conflict and violations of human rights. Comprehensive measures, including an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, are crucial for alleviating the suffering of civilians. The international community must enhance support for local initiatives, particularly those led by women, to ensure aid reaches those in dire need and tackle the underlying issues of governance and accountability.
Original Source: ishr.ch
