Since fighting erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s military government and the formerly allied Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country has been plunged into one of the world’s most severe crises. Triggered by the collapse of the transition to civilian rule following the 2019 ousting of longtime President Omar al-Bashir, the conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with millions more fleeing across borders. Cities lie in ruins, families have been torn apart, and civilians face unimaginable hardships just to survive.
In an interview with UN News, Li Fung, the head of the UN human rights office (OHCHR) in Sudan, described the situation as “extremely grave,” emphasizing that the crisis is first and foremost a human rights and protection emergency. Violations of international humanitarian and human rights law have become widespread, triggering mass displacement, hunger, and destruction of livelihoods. “The scale and brutality of violations we continue to document reflect a crisis that has shattered lives and stripped countless Sudanese of the basic protections every human being is entitled to,” Fung said.
Accountability remains a critical challenge, but OHCHR continues to play a key role in documenting violations and preserving evidence for future legal processes. The office reports to the UN High Commissioner and the Human Rights Council, ensuring Sudan remains on the international agenda. At the same time, international mechanisms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its independent fact-finding mission complement domestic accountability efforts, while OHCHR works to strengthen Sudan’s rule-of-law institutions.
Access to affected areas, particularly in Darfur, remains severely limited. Fung stressed that the international community must provide both funding and political support, pressing for ceasefires, ending arms flows, and enabling unhindered humanitarian access. Documentation of violations is crucial, as it informs both humanitarian interventions and protection strategies for civilians.
Decades of impunity have perpetuated cycles of violence, but Fung emphasized that breaking this cycle requires sustained accountability efforts, including monitoring, documentation, and inclusion of all Sudanese voices in peacebuilding efforts. “It is also key to include accountability on the pathway towards peace for Sudan,” Fung noted, underscoring the need for inclusive, long-term strategies.
Amid the devastation, Fung highlighted the resilience and courage of Sudanese communities as a source of hope. Human rights defenders, volunteers, and local networks continue to support their communities despite immense risks. Their persistence demonstrates the potential for a just and sustained future. “Even in cities scarred by conflict, the determination of Sudanese people is a powerful reminder that the foundations of a just and sustained future still exist,” she said.
While the challenges remain immense, Fung urged the international community to seize the moment of renewed attention on Sudan, ensuring that humanitarian support, protection measures, and accountability mechanisms are sustained. The message is clear: the people of Sudan endure, and their resilience offers a guiding light toward peace and justice.
