U.N.-backed human rights investigators have made a strong call for the establishment of an “independent and impartial force” to protect civilians in Sudan. In a report released on Friday, the investigators condemned both warring sides for their failure to protect the rights of civilians in the ongoing conflict.
The report, which was presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighted the dire situation in Sudan where civilians have been subjected to violence, displacement, and other human rights violations. The investigators, who have been monitoring the situation in Sudan since 2019, expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability for these violations and called for urgent action to protect the civilian population.
The report noted that both the Sudanese government and rebel groups have been responsible for serious human rights abuses, including attacks on civilians, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. The investigators also highlighted the use of child soldiers by both sides, which they described as a “grave violation of international law.”
In light of these findings, the investigators have urged the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians in Sudan. They have called for the establishment of an independent and impartial force, with a robust mandate, to ensure the safety and security of civilians. This force would be responsible for monitoring and reporting on human rights violations, as well as providing protection and assistance to those in need.
The investigators stressed that this force must be independent from the Sudanese government and all armed groups, in order to ensure its impartiality. They also called for the cooperation of all parties involved in the conflict to facilitate the deployment of this force and to ensure the safety of its personnel.
The report also highlighted the urgent need for accountability for human rights violations in Sudan. The investigators have called for the establishment of an independent mechanism to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these violations. They have also urged the international community to support the Sudanese government in its efforts to rebuild its justice system and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The U.N. human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, has echoed the call for the establishment of an independent force to protect civilians in Sudan. In a statement, she said, “The situation in Sudan is deeply concerning, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. We must act now to protect their rights and hold those responsible for violations accountable.”
The U.N. Security Council is set to discuss the situation in Sudan next week, and the U.N. human rights office has called on the council to take decisive action to protect civilians and promote accountability.
The establishment of an independent and impartial force in Sudan would be a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of civilians in the country. It would also send a strong message to all parties involved in the conflict that human rights violations will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable.
The U.N.-backed human rights investigators have shown great courage and determination in their efforts to document and report on the human rights situation in Sudan. Their call for the establishment of an independent force to protect civilians is a clear indication of their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
It is now up to the international community to heed this call and take concrete action to protect the rights of civilians in Sudan. The establishment of an independent force, along with efforts to promote accountability, will be crucial in bringing an end to the suffering of the Sudanese people and ensuring a brighter future for the country. Let us all join hands in this important endeavor and work towards a better and more peaceful Sudan.
