Human rights organisations have called for urgent action to protect civilians, local responders, and human rights defenders in Sudan as violence continues to intensify in South Kordofan and other affected areas.
During a Human Rights Council debate with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, the International Service for Human Rights delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa.
The statement highlighted the severe conditions faced by civilians in Dillinj, South Kordofan, where conflict has escalated and communities continue to suffer from insecurity, displacement, and limited access to assistance. Thousands of people have reportedly walked for days in search of safety in Blue Nile State.
The groups raised concern over indiscriminate drone strikes and shelling on civilian areas by the Rapid Support Forces and SPLM-N forces. These attacks have killed civilians, including children, as well as local responders such as Sara Ahmed, a volunteer with the emergency response rooms in Dillinj.
Local responders and human rights defenders continue to face serious risks while documenting violations, supporting survivors, and helping communities access limited aid. Many remain in high-risk areas despite scarce resources and ongoing attacks, especially in places where international humanitarian organisations are unable to operate.
The organisations urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, ensure an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, allow safe passage for civilians and humanitarian workers, and guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access.
They also called for the protection of civic freedoms, including the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and association without fear of reprisals. Donors were urged to increase funding for local groups responding to the crisis, particularly those providing community kitchens, healthcare, and protection services.
The statement concluded by asking the Fact-Finding Mission what support it needs to effectively carry out its mandate and continue addressing the human rights crisis in Sudan.
