In the midst of its ongoing conflict, Sudan has rejected a call from United Nations-backed
human rights experts of an “independent and impartial force” to protect people. In a report released on Friday, the United Nations’ Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan stated that atrocities possibly qualifying as war crimes and crimes against humanity had been carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The UN experts urged for the immediate deployment of a protection force, as well as an
expansion of the arms embargo across Sudan. The mission’s report highlighted “harrowing human rights violations,” including rape, torture, and indiscriminate attacks on civilians.
Mona Rishmawi, a member of the mission, called the situation a “wake-up call” for the
international community, emphasizing the need for swift action to bring those responsible for the crimes to justice. Sudan’s foreign ministry, however, disapproved of the findings, stating on Saturday that the recommendations were “a flagrant violation of their mandate” and that the UN Human Rights Council is “a political and illegal body.” Moreover, stated that, “the protection of civilians remains an absolute priority for the Sudanese government,”  and accused the RSF of specifically targeting civilians.
However, over 25 million people in Sudan face severe hunger as the conflict continues to devastate the nation.