News

24 Countries Vote to Extend the Mandate of the Independent HRM in Sudan

Moatinoon
Twenty-four countries voted today in favor of a UN draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan for another year. Eleven countries voted against the resolution, while twelve abstained.

The UN Human Rights Council, meeting in Geneva, adopted the new resolution, allowing the mission to continue investigating serious violations and crimes committed in connection with the ongoing conflict, and to identify those responsible.

The resolution was tabled by the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway, and was described as both “strong” and “timely.” It condemns the widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed amid the continuing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies.

The resolution denounces acts of killing, torture, rape, and sexual violence, including sexual slavery, enforced disappearance, forced displacement, and the shelling of civilian neighborhoods. It also condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war, and the destruction of cities and vital infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. It further warned of “clear parallels” between the current abuses and those previously witnessed in Darfur, noting alarming signs of famine-like conditions in displacement camps and the Western Nuba Mountains.

The Council expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Kordofan and El-Fasher, particularly the large-scale attacks by RSF forces on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, calling for an immediate ceasefire and full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access across all parts of Sudan.

The resolution stressed that impunity fuels continued violations and remains a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace. It underscored the need for an inclusive, Sudanese-led political transition toward a democratically elected national government following a civilian transitional period.

Under the new resolution, the Council will hold public discussions on Sudan in February, June, and September 2026. The mission will submit its next report during the Council’s 63rd session, and its findings will also be presented to the UN General Assembly in October 2026.