By Binta Jaiteh
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) under the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), has released the findings of a virtual joint fact-finding mission on the human rights situation in Sudan.
The Joint African Union (AU) Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), led by the ACHPR and mandated by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), investigated the ongoing human rights situation in the country.
The mission noted the AU’s comprehensive diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and restore peace in Sudan. These efforts include the establishment of the Expanded Mechanism for the Resolution of the Sudan Crisis, adoption of the AU Roadmap outlining six key pillars for conflict resolution, deployment of the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan, and continued advocacy for humanitarian ceasefires and inclusive political dialogue – notably through the Jeddah and Juba peace processes.
According to the report, the mission recorded a series of serious and widespread human rights violations.
“The incidents show a pattern of disregard for life, dignity, and non-discrimination. They disproportionately affect civilians and demonstrate total contempt for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL),” the report stated.
The Commission recommended that all parties to the conflict ensure civilians are allowed safe passage to areas with less risk of violence and have access to humanitarian assistance both within Sudan and across regional and international borders.
It further urged the warring parties to uphold their obligations under IHL and IHRL, particularly by observing the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality, and precaution.
The report also called for unhindered access to humanitarian aid, protection of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, access to medical services, including sexual and reproductive health services, and protection of humanitarian workers.
The Commission emphasized the need for all parties to recommit to the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and to uphold their obligations under the African Charter and international law regarding civilian protection.
Additionally, the report urged the AU to deploy a peacekeeping mission to Sudan, in line with Article 4(h) of the AU Constitutive Act and UN Security Council Resolution 2719, to help stabilize the situation and protect civilians through the establishment of safe and demilitarized humanitarian corridors.
On a final note, the Commission recommended establishing a sequenced transitional justice process in accordance with the AU Transitional Justice Policy to address the root causes of the Sudanese conflict.
The PSC’s joint mandate between the ACHPR and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security was designed to investigate serious human rights and humanitarian law violations, particularly in El Fasher and other affected areas of Darfur.
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By Binta Jaiteh The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC)…
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