Geneva, October 05 (Darfur24)
The UN Human Rights Council on Monday adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, with 28 countries voting in favor, 10 against, and nine abstaining.
The Council condemned all forms of foreign interference fueling the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the supply of weapons and military equipment, the deployment of foreign personnel supporting or participating in military operations, and the use of mercenaries.
It called on all parties to the conflict and external actors, including states and other entities, to respect and preserve Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.
The 47-member Council also reiterated its call for all states and other entities to comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including the arms embargo applicable to Darfur.
The resolution expressed deep concern over Sudan’s continuing humanitarian and human rights crisis since the conflict broke out on April 15, 2023.
It cited Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessments indicating that 19.5 million people, or 41 percent of Sudan’s population, are experiencing acute food insecurity at Phase 3 or above.
The Council also noted that the IPC classification indicated a high risk of famine in 14 areas across North and South Darfur and South Kordofan, with a high risk of similar conditions in other parts of the country.
The resolution condemned reported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF.
The Council stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and called on all parties to implement an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire without preconditions.
It also called for the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism and a peaceful, negotiated settlement based on inclusive dialogue led and owned by Sudanese.
The Council stressed the need for Sudanese civil society actors, including women and youth, to participate in the dialogue and called for a comprehensive and credible political transition toward a democratically elected national government following a civilian-led transitional period.