UN Rights Council Condemns Attacks on Civilians in Sudan, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned attacks on civilians in Sudan and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the country’s warring parties.

The 47-member council adopted a resolution in Geneva by 28 votes to 10, with nine countries abstaining. The resolution also extended the mandate of the independent international fact-finding mission investigating alleged human rights abuses in Sudan.

The council warned that there is no military solution to the conflict, which has continued since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It called for an immediate and complete ceasefire without preconditions, the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism and the restoration of essential infrastructure.

The resolution condemned widespread violations of international humanitarian law by both sides, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, aerial bombardments and drone strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

UN figures indicate that drone attacks killed more than 1,100 people during the first five months of 2026, as both sides intensified their use of drones.

The council also expressed concern over foreign involvement in the conflict, including illegal arms transfers, illicit financial networks and the use of foreign mercenaries, which it said were contributing to the continuation of the war.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) said an airstrike in South Kordofan struck a convoy carrying humanitarian food supplies, killing one driver and damaging life-saving aid.

The convoy was travelling between Dilling and Kadugli, and the WFP said its vehicles were clearly marked with official humanitarian logos.

The attack occurred a day after another WFP vehicle was damaged by an explosive device in Dilling following a food distribution operation.

“Humanitarian workers and aid assets are not targets,” the WFP said, calling for a transparent investigation and accountability under international law.

The UN fact-finding mission has previously reported serious abuses in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following its capture by the RSF after a lengthy siege. Investigators documented mass killings, sexual violence, ethnic attacks and the destruction of medical facilities.

Sudan has urged member states to reject the Human Rights Council resolution, arguing that its concerns were not adequately taken into account.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 13 million, according to estimates cited by human rights organisations.