The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 75th Ordinary Session held from 3 to 23 May 2023 in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recalling its mandate of promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa pursuant to Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Bearing in mind the national agreements and international commitments signed or ratified by the Sudan (Sudan), including the Juba Peace Agreement, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, under which the State Party has undertaken to respect and protect human rights, the principles of democracy, the rule of law, a culture of peace, and good governance;
Also Recalling the frequent occurrence of socio-political crises in Sudan, including those that occurred in October 2021 which prompted the adoption of Resolutions ACHPR/Res.510 (LXIX) 2021, ACHPR/Res.516 (LXX), and ACHPR/Res.548 (LXXIII) 2022, in which the Commission called on the State Party to work towards the preservation of peace, security and respect for human rights on its territory;
Further Recalling the violent confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 15 April 2023, resulting in serious violations of human and peoples’ rights, which prompted the adoption of a Communiqué by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its 1149th meeting held on 16 April 2023, and the recommendations contained in the press release dated 21 April 2023 on the human rights situation in Sudan issued jointly by the Country Rapporteur for the Republic of Sudan and the Commission’s Focal Point on Conflict Situations;
Deeply concerned by the persistence of the fighting, which is having a devastating effect on individuals, organisations (national and international) and goods and services, as reported, with more than 676 dead, 5,576 injured and over 1,000,000 displaced persons and refugees, as well as a considerable increase in food insecurity;
Welcoming the efforts of the international community, including the League of Arab States, to facilitate mediation between the warring parties to bring them to sign a ceasefire agreement and resolve the crisis;
Also welcoming the humanitarian actions of United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aimed at providing support to increasingly vulnerable populations;
Further welcoming the significant contribution of civil society and the media in drawing the attention of the international community to the unfolding crisis in Sudan, documenting the events, and providing support to the populations;
Considering that the clashes result in serious violations of human rights, including the rights to life, physical integrity and dignity, freedom of movement, economic and socio-cultural rights, and the rights of vulnerable groups as guaranteed by the African Charter and other international instruments to which Sudan is party;
Further Considering the recent signing of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment adopted by the warring parties on the protection of civilians, the granting of safe passage for civilians, facilitating the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, and ensuring respect and protection of humanitarian workers;
Also bearing in mind Resolution S-36/L.1 of 11 May 2023 of the Human Rights Council on the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan;
Committed to the restoration and preservation of lasting peace, democratic governance, and the promotion and protection of the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Sudan, a State Party to the African Charter;
The Commission:
1.Strongly condemns:
a.The ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF);
b.The attacks on diplomatic missions and humanitarian workers, as well as the looting of hospital and humanitarian facilities, thereby preventing civilians from gaining access to basic necessities;
2.Calls on the warring parties to respect their signed declaration of commitment, agree on a ceasefire, and promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict;
3.Calls on the Sudanese authorities to:
a.adopt the relevant regulatory and institutional measures for the restoration of peace, stability and security;
b.introduce measures to safeguard and strengthen previous achievements that not only guarantee human rights but also consolidate the rule of law and democracy in Sudan;
c.take all necessary measures to protect civilians and their fundamental rights and freedoms;
d.adopt measures for the protection and preservation of life and property, and to ensure safe access to basic commodities and facilities for the Sudanese people;
e.carry out the necessary investigations in order to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations, and provide adequate reparation to the victims;
4.Urges the international community to continue its support to Sudan;
5.Expresses its willingness to join the efforts of the international community, and in particular those of the United Nations and its Human Rights Council, to find a positive outcome to the ongoing conflict in Sudan;
6.Welcomes the appointment by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 16 December 2022 of Mr. Radhouan Nouicer as the expert on human rights in Sudan, and expresses its readiness to collaborate with him in the efforts to resolve this conflict; and
7.Continues to monitor the developments and the related human rights situation in Sudan.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia, 23 May 2023
