The United Nations’ Human Rights Council (HRC) has ordered an urgent investigation into serious human rights violations occurring in El Fasher, Sudan. This decision, made on March 10, 2024, follows reports of widespread atrocities attributed to the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Allegations include ethnically motivated killings, torture, and the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war.
El Fasher, situated in North Darfur, has become a focal point of the ongoing violence that has plagued Sudan. Following the RSF’s takeover of the city last month, numerous reports have surfaced detailing mass killings and other brutal acts, including summary executions and gang rapes. The HRC convened a special session in Geneva to address these alarming developments, culminating in the unanimous adoption of Draft Resolution A/HRC/S-38/L.1.
During the session, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed grave concern over the situation in El Fasher. He emphasized that the atrocities were both “foreseen and preventable,” urging immediate action from influential actors to stop the violence. Türk’s statement highlighted that the international community had been warned about the potential for such violence, yet effective preventive measures were not implemented.
“None of us should be surprised by reports that since the RSF took control of El Fasher, there have been mass killings of civilians,” Türk stated. He pointed out that the pattern of violence has been documented repeatedly in the ongoing conflict, indicating a critical failure on the part of the international community to act decisively.
Following Türk’s remarks, Adama Dieng, the special envoy of the African Union on the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities, addressed the council. He called for an immediate halt to the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan, which he argued was exacerbating the situation. Dieng framed the session as a potential turning point, urging member states and the wider international community to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations.
The newly established fact-finding mission will investigate alleged violations by all parties involved in the conflict. This mission aims to identify responsible individuals and gather evidence for potential legal proceedings. It will also focus on patterns of ethnically targeted attacks and assess the risks of further mass atrocities. Several delegations emphasized the necessity of rapid deployment for the mission, given the escalating violence in El Fasher.
As the situation continues to worsen, the HRC’s resolution represents a significant international response to the crisis. Nevertheless, the mission’s effectiveness will largely depend on sustained cooperation from relevant parties, access to affected areas, and a genuine commitment to addressing the violence.
The unfolding events in El Fasher underscore the urgent need for an international response that not only acknowledges the gravity of the situation but also takes decisive steps to protect vulnerable populations from further harm.
