Introduction

CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) is an international human rights organisation specialising in the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). CSW Nigeria is an advocacy organization that works to promote freedom of religion or belief and to assist victims of violence in Nigeria. This submission seeks to bring the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Hybrid Joint Fact-Finding Mission (FFM)’s attention to the ongoing situation of human rights in Sudan, including the right to FoRB and reports of sexual and gender-based violence.

The toll of the conflict on civilians

The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF, formerly the Janjaweed militia) continues to have a devastating impact on human rights. Sudan’s civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence. Since 15 April 2023, an estimated 12 million Sudanese have been forcibly displaced, resulting in a large-scale humanitarian crisis, including over eight million internally displaced persons.

There has been an internet and communications shutdown since 2 February 2024 after the RSF reportedly seized control of internet service providers’ data centres in Khartoum. In recent years, internet blackouts have been used to conceal gross human rights violations, such as the June 3 massacre in 2019. In addition to preventing Sudanese people from communicating with the world, the shutdown is seriously hampering humanitarian efforts within the country, as local and international organisations cannot communicate effectively. The conflict has already resulted in the highest level of internal displacement in the world.

Consistent reports emerge of medical facilities being targeted by both warring parties in violation of international humanitarian law. Attacks on medical personnel, and shortages of food, water and essential medications are equally concerning.

In residential areas, civilians remain in grave danger due to aerial bombardment and home invasions by armed men seeking to use rooftops of residential properties as vantage points who also loot extensively. Severe violations have been reported in cities in Central, North, South and West Darfur, Khartoum, Northern State, and North Kordofan State, including sexual violence against women and girls, the forcible recruitment of civilians, including children, and arrests and false accusations targeting volunteers from Resistance Committees, who maintain a neutral stance while organising logistical support for medical services for all who are injured.

Members of resistance committees, journalists, lawyers, and opposition politicians are particularly likely to experience detention, monitoring or targeting.

The conflict has extended across the entire country, with tensions flaring in Khartoum and Omdurman as the SAF attempts to regain control of neighbourhoods taken by the RSF. The conflict has also affected parts of South Kordofan and Gezira state.

The RSF has expanded its military operations in Gezira State, which is currently home to thousands of IDPs. As in other states occupied by the RSF, there have been reports of serious human rights violations, including the killing of civilians, attacks on hospitals, and the looting of homes.

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