Members of the Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan have warned that the risk of further large-scale atrocities in Sudan remains acute, one year after violence in and around El Fasher reached a devastating peak, calling for an end to the war, greater protection for civilians and accountability for those responsible for serious crimes.
In a joint statement marking the first anniversary of the El Fasher Massacre on Oct. 26, the coalition said civilians had suffered mass killings, ethnically motivated killings, summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and widespread sexual and gender-based violence following months of siege and escalating attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The statement was issued by Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sierra Leone, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The coalition said entire communities had been forcibly displaced, while restrictions on humanitarian access had worsened hunger, insecurity and suffering among civilians.
It reaffirmed its commitment to preventing further atrocities and pursuing accountability, citing findings by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan that documented the scale and severity of violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of international human rights law in and around El Fasher.
The coalition welcomed the renewal of the UN mission’s mandate and the work of the African Union’s Fact-Finding Mission, including its cooperation with the United Nations.
Civilians remain at risk
One year after the violence, civilians across Sudan continue to face widespread abuses, displacement, attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian assistance, the statement said.
It also warned that the growing use of drones in attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure was deepening humanitarian needs and increasing protection risks.
The coalition condemned restrictions on humanitarian access and repeated attacks on humanitarian workers, local responders and frontline aid providers, saying these were compounding the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians.
The anniversary, it added, underscored the need for collective action to prevent further atrocities.
Calls for justice and accountability
The coalition said justice and accountability were essential to achieving lasting peace in Sudan, stressing that victims and survivors deserved justice for crimes committed during the conflict.
It pledged to continue working with Sudanese and international partners to support credible accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court’s work concerning Darfur, as well as meaningful transitional justice for the Sudanese people.
The statement also highlighted the role of Sudanese human rights defenders and civil society organisations in supporting survivors, documenting abuses and ensuring that Sudanese perspectives inform future justice efforts.
It called for victims of conflict-related sexual violence to have safe and confidential access to medical, psychosocial and legal support.
Call to end the war
“There is no military solution to this conflict. The war must end,” the coalition said, urging all parties to comply fully with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and allow safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.
It also called on all states to use their influence to protect civilians and help end the conflict, including by ceasing to arm, finance or otherwise enable the war and fully respecting UN sanctions, including the arms embargo on Darfur.
“One year after El Fasher, our message is clear: the victims will not be forgotten, survivors will be heard, and we will continue to pursue accountability for those responsible,” the statement read.
