Sudan Rights Watch Network welcomes the adoption by the Human Rights Council of the resolution on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher on November 14, 2025, unanimously and without a vote during its 38th special session. This resolution comes amidst escalating violence in the region, which has led to an unprecedented humanitarian and human rights catastrophe.
SRWN affirms that the resolution represents an important step in the international recognition of the gravity of the crisis, but it remains insufficient to address it. It also indicates the international community’s conviction that widespread crimes have occurred, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, its success hinges on the international community’s ability to translate it into practical measures that end the suffering of civilians and ensure accountability for those responsible and the perpetrators.
From SRWN’s perspective, the adoption of the resolution without opposition indicates:
- A shift in the international stance on the crisis, as it is no longer possible to ignore the severity of the violations.
- An implicit acknowledgment of the failure of previous international mechanisms to address the crisis.
- Increasing pressure from Sudanese, regional, and international civil society organizations and media outlets.
According to SRWN’s monitoring and documentation, along with reports from the United Nations and independent human rights organizations, field data indicates a sharp rise and deterioration in the scale of atrocities, manifested in:
- The number of victims exceeding 2,000 civilians, indicating a systematic targeting of civilians in the recent military escalation in and around El Fasher.
- A rise in injuries to more than 3,500 cases, confirming the use of disproportionate weapons in populated civilian areas.
- The documentation of more than 450 cases of sexual violence, including gang rape, indicating systematic targeting and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
- A comprehensive siege isolating more than 200,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, from basic necessities.
- The displacement of more than 320,000 people, indicating systematic forced displacement. 6. A near-total collapse of basic services in El Fasher and its surrounding areas.
In terms of legal implications, these violations amount to:
- War crimes according to the Rome Statute.
- Crimes against humanity due to their systematic and widespread nature.
- Grave violations of international humanitarian law and the four Geneva Conventions.
- Widespread breaches of the principles of proportionality and distinction in military operations.
Based on SRWN’s field monitoring and observation data, despite the importance of the resolution, there are serious obstacles to its implementation, most notably:
- The absence of binding implementation mechanisms.
- The continued obstruction of humanitarian aid access.
- The lack of an effective international protection force.
- Political and security complexities on the ground.
Therefore, SRWN indicates the necessity of taking the following steps to implement this resolution:
- Establishing an independent international investigation mechanism with broad powers.
- Imposing targeted sanctions on those involved in the violations.
- Establishing an international compensation fund. 4. Activating the early warning system for the protection of civilians.
SRWN calls for and recommends the following:
- The necessity of translating this political consensus into concrete, practical measures.
- The importance of monitoring the implementation of the resolution through periodic reports.
- The necessity of referring the file to the Security Council for decisive action.
- The necessity of supporting local organizations in documenting violations.
SRWN appreciates the efforts exerted by all parties and the ongoing documentation and monitoring operations carried out by human rights organizations and networks, which have played a pivotal role in revealing the extent of the humanitarian tragedy experienced by civilians in and around El Fasher. SRWN reiterates its commitment to continuing monitoring, documentation, and the defense of human rights, and to continuing to work towards ending violations, protecting civilians, and ending impunity.
Sudan Rights Watch Network
November 15, 2025