LONDON: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United States to take decisive action to address human rights violations in Sudan following the determination that both sides in the country’s civil war have committed “atrocity crimes.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on December 6, acknowledged that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have perpetrated war crimes during the eight-month conflict in Sudan.
HRW emphasizes the need for the US to go beyond acknowledgment and implement a change in government policy, accompanied by concrete measures to prevent further violations. While Blinken’s statement acknowledged the suffering of victims, HRW argues that robust actions are required to ensure accountability and protect civilians.
Human Rights Watch Highlights Consequences of War
The organization warns that indiscriminate attacks on civilians, destruction of essential infrastructure, and impediments to aid access have occurred during the conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least 12,190 people and the displacement of 6.6 million.
HRW urges the US to initiate robust consultations with international organizations such as the UN, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development to ensure accountability and protection for civilians. The organization calls for the use of sanctions to punish individuals with credible evidence of international law violations. HRW also emphasizes amplifying key civilian voices and human rights activism through funding for Sudanese civil society organizations.
HRW recommends strong support from the US for the UN Fact-Finding Mechanism on Sudan to gather relevant evidence and promote accountability efforts, including cooperation with the International Criminal Court.
