About the Statement:

At the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, under Item 4 – General Debate, the Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict for more than a year and a half. The statement welcomed the Council’s decision to establish a fact-finding mission and called for an immediate end to hostilities and the launch of a peaceful political process. It also praised the UAE’s active humanitarian and diplomatic role, including substantial financial aid and peacebuilding efforts.

Content of the Statement:

• The statement noted that the Sudanese conflict has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, as UN reports have documented:
  • Over 150,000 civilians killed or injured.
  • Over 10 million displaced or seeking refuge.
  • The collapse of health, education, and civil services.
  • Over 25 million people deprived of basic humanitarian aid.
• It welcomed the Council’s decision to establish a fact-finding mission in Sudan and supported its recommendations, especially:
  • Deploying an independent, neutral force to protect civilians.
  • Holding perpetrators of grave violations accountable under international law.
• The statement called for:
  • Immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities.
  • Launching a genuine political peace dialogue.
  • Reinforcing urgent international humanitarian intervention.
• It praised the UAE’s role in:
  • Mediation and good offices to end the conflict.
  • Providing humanitarian aid exceeding $3.5 billion.
  • Including $230 million since the current crisis began.

Importance of the Statement:

• International documentation of the Sudanese humanitarian catastrophe: The statement prioritized the Sudan crisis within the international human rights agenda, reinforcing pressure on warring parties and global actors to act.
• Support for UN mechanisms for investigation and accountability: It showed civil society’s commitment to supporting the fact-finding mission’s mandate and implementing its recommendations to protect civilians.
• Highlighting the UAE’s humanitarian leadership: The statement presented a comprehensive UAE model of humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement to promote a sustainable ceasefire.
• Message of solidarity from a UAE civil society organization: It conveyed cross-border human rights solidarity with the Sudanese people, reaffirming that their suffering is a global justice issue requiring collective response.