Sudanese groups launch campaign to extend UN fact-finding mission
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - A broad coalition of Sudanese civil society groups is preparing to launch a national campaign demanding a two-year extension for the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, citing unabated atrocities and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The UN Human Rights Council established the mission in October 2023 to investigate widespread violations by Sudan’s warring parties. The mission is scheduled to present its final report during the council’s 58th session in September, when its mandate is set to expire, Sudan Tribute, a Sudan news outlet reported.
It quoted Mohamed Salah, an executive member of the Emergency Lawyers group, as saying the campaign aims to secure a renewal of the mandate during the upcoming session, which begins on 8 September.
“The campaign will launch on 1 September with the participation of more than 170 professional bodies, trade unions, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and national figures,” Salah said.
He argued that an extension is critical due to the “continuation of violations, the escalation of attacks on civilians, and the widening scope of the conflict.”
The campaign will directly lobby the fact-finding mission and UN member states, highlighting the ongoing human rights abuses in Sudan. Salah stressed that the initiative requires “doubled efforts” due to the country’s lack of a legitimate governing authority.
“We call on the member states to push for this extension and to fulfil their moral obligations regarding accountability for the extensive crimes committed by the warring parties,” he urged.
Salah also noted that the mission has faced significant operational challenges, including being denied entry into Sudan by the Sudanese army. This has forced investigators to collect evidence and interview victims in neighbouring countries.
He stressed that the campaign is driven by the “grave human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law” that have destroyed Sudan’s healthcare system and fuelled the spread of disease, making the mission’s continuation essential for ensuring accountability.
The Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan said in March that both sides were responsible for "a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of detainees".
It said both both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (AF) had used "rape and other forms of sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as torture and ill-treatment".
The fighting has sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises - 12 million people have been forced from their homes and famine has been declared in parts of the country.
Sudan is the world’s largest hunger crisis, humanitarian agencies have said, adding that Famine has spread to additional areas and could spread even more in coming months.
-0- PANA MA 25Aug2025
