As Sudan enters its second year of conflict, a coalition of NGOs has condemned the international community’s failure to protect civilians and address ongoing human rights violations. In a joint letter to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European foreign ministers, the organizations highlighted the devastating impact of the war and urged immediate action.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced 12.9 million people, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. Civilians continue to face widespread atrocities, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, torture, and enforced disappearances. The targeting of journalists and human rights defenders has further restricted independent reporting and humanitarian efforts.
The letter draws alarming parallels between the current crisis and the ethnic violence in Darfur between 2003 and 2005, warning of a return to mass atrocities. Both warring factions have been accused of blocking humanitarian aid and attacking emergency responders, worsening the suffering of displaced populations.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the conflict persists with little accountability. The letter calls for Sudan to be a key agenda item at the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on April 14. The NGOs are urging the EU to take decisive steps, including condemning human rights violations, increasing humanitarian aid, and holding perpetrators accountable through legal mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The appeal also stresses the need for greater support for Sudanese civilians, human rights defenders, and journalists. It calls on the EU to open safe migration pathways for those fleeing violence and to ensure long-term assistance for displaced populations. Additionally, the letter urges strict enforcement of the UN arms embargo on Darfur to prevent further escalation.
With the humanitarian situation deteriorating, the NGOs are pressing the EU and its member states to act urgently, using all available diplomatic and legal tools to protect Sudanese civilians and bring justice to those responsible for the ongoing atrocities.