HRC62: Protect civilians and defenders in Sudan

In Sudan, civilians continue to endure unbearable conditions in Dillinj, South Kordofan, while thousands walk on foot for days in search of safety in the Blue Nile State. 

The conflict in South Kordofan region has intensified, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and SPLM-N forces launching indiscriminate drone strikes and shelling on civilian areas, killing dozens of civilians, including children, and local responders including Sara Ahmed, a volunteer with the emergency response rooms in Dillinj.

Local responders and human rights defenders face vicious attacks as they work to save lives and document war crimes. They operate with extremely limited resources to fill critical gaps in areas where international aid organisations cannot function.

Every day, they choose to remain in high-risk areas so their communities can access the limited aid available. 

Our organisations:

• Urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, ensure an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access and allow safe passage for civilians and humanitarian workers. 
• Urge all parties to the conflict to guarantee civic freedoms by removing all restrictions for people to freely express and peacefully assemble and associate without fear of reprisals and retribution. 
• Call on donors to scale up funding for local groups’ responses across Sudan, especially for community kitchens, healthcare, and protection.

Finally, we ask the Fact-Finding Mission what support it needs to effectively carry out its mandate? 

ISHR delivered this statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action (SUWRA) and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa (WHRDMENA).

Watch the full statement below: