In April 2023, conflict erupted between rival military factions after the transition to civilian rule broke down, following the ousting of longtime former President Omar al-Bashir four years earlier. Sudan’s military government has been engaged in battles with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, previously allied, for control of the vast nation, resulting in over 12 million people being displaced. Millions have crossed the border in what has become the world’s largest displacement crisis.
In an extensive interview with UN News, Li Fung, the top official of the UN human rights office (OHCHR) in Sudan, sheds light on the scale of ongoing violations, the pressing need for accountability, and the enduring courage of Sudanese communities, which remains a crucial source of hope.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
UN News: As we observe Human Rights Day, how would you describe the current human rights situation in Sudan?
Li Fung: The situation is exceedingly serious. The conflict, ongoing for two and a half years, has led to widespread breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws throughout the country, causing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, mass displacement, and alarming hunger levels. The sheer scope and severity of the violations we’ve documented signal a crisis that has devastated countless lives and stripped many Sudanese of fundamental protections. The conflict’s impact on civilians is indescribable: cities in ruins, families shattered overnight, and civilians faced with impossible survival choices.
Nevertheless, OHCHR stands with the Sudanese people, documenting violations, advocating for human rights actions, and supporting humanitarian responses. On Human Rights Day, our message is firm: the human rights of Sudanese people must be respected. All parties must uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for violations. Sudanese people deserve peace, justice, and full dignity.
Sudanese women meet the OHCHR Team in Khartoum.
UN News: Many Sudanese are concerned that ongoing violations will go unpunished. What accountability mechanisms currently exist, and what role can OHCHR play in ensuring justice for victims in Sudan?
Li Fung: Accountability is critically needed in Sudan, though the situation remains challenging. OHCHR, particularly our Sudan country office, plays a significant role by documenting and verifying violations in difficult conditions, preserving facts, amplifying survivors’ voices, and feeding into accountability processes. We report to the High Commissioner, Volker Türk, who reports to the Human Rights Council, keeping Sudan’s issues on the international agenda. We engage with survivors, advocate for their rights and inclusion, and support rebuilding rule of law institutions to deliver justice. Internationally, mechanisms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) have a mandate to investigate international crimes and have established a fact-finding mission in Sudan to complement our work. Domestic accountability is crucial too, hence our collaboration with rule of law institutions to promote justice for Sudanese people.
UN News: Access to affected areas in Sudan, especially Darfur, is extremely restricted. How can the international community effectively support documenting human rights violations in these areas?
Li Fung: International community support is vital, involving funding for human rights and humanitarian responses to meet Sudanese people’s urgent needs. Political action is equally important. Member States must uphold international law, promote dialogue, press for peace and ceasefires, end arms flows, and advocate for accountability. Documenting violations is crucial for informing humanitarian efforts, prioritizing population needs, and advancing civilian protection through specific actions.
OHCHR Team in Sudan listens to Sudanese women in Khartoum.
UN News: This isn’t Sudan’s first experience with human rights violations, often attributed to decades of impunity. What concrete steps must the international community take to break this cycle of impunity?
Li Fung: Impunity perpetuates violence and violations. Concrete actions include supporting accountability efforts, fact-finding, monitoring, and documentation, all leading to accountability processes that call for civilian protection and investigations. Accountability must be part of Sudan’s peace path, advocating for all Sudanese voices to be included for a peaceful future.
UN News: Is there any hope for improvement in the human rights situation?
Li Fung: Yes, despite immense suffering and ongoing violations, hope exists, particularly from the Sudanese people. Human rights defenders, volunteers, and community groups demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience. Their efforts highlight the urgent need for international support, improved protection measures, and unimpeded humanitarian access. Their determination is a powerful reminder that a just, sustained future is possible. Hope also comes from renewed attention on Sudan’s situation; we must seize this moment and continue supporting Sudanese people.
Leave a Reply