The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has taken a critical step in response to the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Sudan by adopting a resolution during an emergency session to extend and strengthen the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) for Sudan. The move comes amid mounting evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and widespread atrocities committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly following the fall of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, to the RSF in October 2025.
The Context of the Emergency Session
The emergency session was convened in response to the deteriorating situation in Sudan, especially after the RSF seized control of El Fasher and committed widespread atrocities, including summary executions, sexual violence, and abductions. The World Health Organization reported that over 450 people were killed in the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher alone, with RSF fighters going house to house and targeting civilians. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the situation as
“the gravest of crimes”
and emphasized that these atrocities were
“foreseen and preventable, but they were not prevented”.
The Council’s action was prompted by urgent appeals from civil society and human rights organizations, who called for immediate investigations and accountability.
Resolution Details and Mandate Extension
The resolution, adopted by a vote of 24 in favor, 11 against, and 12 abstentions, extends the FFM’s mandate to continue investigating and reporting on mass atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by all parties to the conflict. The FFM, originally established in October 2023, has been tasked with documenting violations, identifying perpetrators, and preserving evidence for future accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Council also called for the FFM to prepare a flash report by 31 December 2025, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
International Response and Statements
The UN Human Rights Council’s action was supported by a broad coalition of states and civil society organizations. The Sudan Core Group stated,
“Sudan is collapsing under a brutal, protracted war. Last month, the Council condemned the escalation of violence in and around El Fasher and called upon all parties to protect civilians. These calls have been ignored and defied.”
The group emphasized that the atrocities in El Fasher are not only a humanitarian emergency but also a threat to regional stability and a test of international resolve.
The European Union echoed these concerns, urging all parties to the conflict to engage in inclusive ceasefire negotiations and calling on external actors to cease any support to the warring factions. The EU statement noted,
“The primary responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the leadership of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those providing them with direct, and indirect support.”
The EU also pledged to continue its humanitarian efforts, with over 160 million euros allocated for aid within Sudan and more than 270 million euros for regional support.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and over 100 civil society groups, welcomed the extension of the FFM’s mandate. They stressed the importance of field visits and first-hand testimonies to verify allegations and ensure accountability.
“The FFM’s work is vital to document the truth and preserve the possibility of justice and reconciliation,”
Atrocities and Humanitarian Impact
The situation in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, with the UN estimating that at least 40,000 people have been killed and 12 million displaced due to the conflict. Aid groups warn that the true death toll could be much higher. The fall of El Fasher has led to a massive exodus, with over 89,000 civilians fleeing the city, joining millions already displaced. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the deliberate targeting of civilians, destruction of critical infrastructure, and widespread sexual violence.
Accountability and Future Steps
The UNHRC’s resolution mandates the FFM to continue its work, with regular reporting to the Council and sharing of evidence with the ICC. The Council will hold public debates on Sudan in February, June, and September 2026, including participation from civil society. The resolution also calls for unfettered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need for inclusive political processes and accountability for all parties involved in the conflict.
