UN Human Rights Council 63: Key Insights on the Draft Resolution Concerning Sudan

Mr President,

On behalf of a coalition comprising Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom, I present draft resolution L.26, which addresses the pressing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The report from the UN Fact-Finding Mission reveals a harrowing situation: communities in disarray, millions displaced, and civilians ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence. The use of drone warfare by both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces has widened the scope of hostilities. Attacks on hospitals, markets, and even a kindergarten have left civilians with no safe refuge. The illegal flow of weapons and external support is facilitating these atrocities, creating chaos throughout the region and jeopardising any prospects for peace. It is crucial for states and external actors to halt the supply of arms, funding, and other forms of support that perpetuate this devastating conflict.

Advocating for Accountability

The core group advocates for accountability across the entire chain of responsibility, employing every available avenue. In this regard, we commend the vital work of the International Criminal Court in ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of atrocities in Sudan, and we call for full cooperation from Sudan with the Court.

In light of the unconscionable horrors unfolding across Sudan, this Council cannot afford to turn a blind eye. We must demonstrate unity in our response. The UN Fact-Finding Mission remains the sole independent investigative body documenting and reporting on these violations and abuses throughout Sudan. We commend its commitment to collaborating with other independent accountability initiatives, particularly the Joint Fact-Finding Mission of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Banjul Joint Declaration established in May of this year underscores the collaboration and complementarity between the UN mechanism and the African Union, whose leadership is pivotal in terminating the conflict.

Importance of Renewing the Mandate

Renewing the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission is crucial to facilitating justice in Sudan and establishing a foundation for future accountability.

Throughout this session, we have engaged in consultations and thoroughly discussed this draft with all delegations, including those from Sudan. We have incorporated numerous proposals, including several from Sudan itself.

It is regrettable that these modifications did not suffice to satisfy the Sudanese authorities, as this resolution is fundamentally intended for the people of Sudan.

Recognising the Courage of Victims

We reiterate the recognition within the Banjul Joint Declaration of the bravery and resilience exhibited by victims, survivors, and human rights defenders across Sudan, who remain steadfast in their commitment to peace and documentation efforts, often at significant personal risk.

These courageous individuals deserve more than mere attention from this Council; they warrant our unwavering solidarity.

We urge all members to stand alongside the people of Sudan and cast their votes in favour of this resolution.

Thank you.