New York: Europe and the Arabs
Radwan Noueiser, the United Nations expert on human rights in Sudan, called on both sides of the conflict to immediately stop the violence, noting that what is happening in the country now is “a crime against Sudan and the Sudanese.” He pointed out that Sudan has suffered for decades from political turmoil, impunity, lack of judicial authorities, and rights violations. He urged the international community to agree on mechanisms to resolve the Sudanese crisis. According to what was stated in the United Nations daily news bulletin, a copy of which we received on Tuesday morning
In an exclusive interview with UN News, Noueiser added: “Have mercy on Sudan. This is enough.” The UN expert warned that most of the violations committed in Sudan may amount to - from a legal standpoint - war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Nuweiser was appointed in late 2022 by the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the request of the Human Rights Council to document and report on violations committed in Sudan since the coup of 25 October 2021. Its mandate was strengthened during a special session of the Human Rights Council to include violations directly resulting from the current conflict.
Radwan Noueisser: There is almost total destruction of infrastructure - both private and public - in some areas, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and even humanitarian aid warehouses. Then there is the looting, theft, and destruction of many private homes and the burning of some entire villages. There are horrific incidents of sexual violence and rape targeting women and girls. There are attacks on children, including their integration into the ranks of the military. There are cases of torture, enforced disappearances and unjustified imprisonment. Let us not forget that Sudan is a country with many languages and tribes, and it is very difficult for these acts of violence to continue, which may threaten to divide Sudan into several regions and perhaps conflicting regions.
A country like Sudan is characterized by a multiplicity of tribes and racial and ethnic groups, and when any of the conflicting parties targets specific tribes or ethnic groups, this fuels racial and ethnic conflict.
Regarding calls to ensure immediate and comprehensive investigation into all violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and to hold those responsible accountable. What is the benefit of these calls in light of the continuing violations since the beginning of the war?
Radwan Noueiser said: Impunity was and still is a fundamental cause of the violations to which the people of Sudan are exposed. Although all the conflicting parties today announced the establishment of mechanisms and committees with the aim of reducing the phenomenon of impunity and bringing violators to justice, we do not have any information about the results of these procedures and mechanisms, and this matter leads to undermining trust between the citizen, the government and public authorities and leads to raising doubt in the system. Judicial. This makes impunity an element in the continuation of violations, violence and attacks on basic human rights.
Regarding his continued contact with the Sudanese parties? Radwan Nuweiser answered: I visited Sudan in February 2023 - that is, a few weeks before the outbreak of the current conflict. There was great hope for moving to a new phase in Sudan - a phase of political harmony, bringing together the parties of Sudanese society, and laying the necessary foundations for the launch of a political phase that would guarantee stability, security, and perhaps an economic launch in the country. But unfortunately, by April 15 of last year - that is, more than 9 months ago - all hopes were dashed and we were looking for an end to acts of violence and violations of basic rights.
And his message to both sides of the conflict? Radwan Noueiser said: Have mercy on Sudan, for what is happening now is a crime against Sudan and the Sudanese. Do not forget that this country has suffered for decades from political turmoil, impunity, lack of judicial authorities, and rights violations. its enough. Sudan is a strong country with its wealth, its people, its culture, and its societal, tribal, and linguistic diversity. These hostilities must end and an agreement must be reached. Of course, this is a matter for the Sudanese and I am not a political or military expert to give advice on this matter, but what I am saying is that what happened is enough and it is too late. He concluded by saying, “I recently asked to visit Sudan - Port Sudan specifically - and I am awaiting approval and a visa so that I can go there and see closely what is happening, contact the authorities, and see if there is hope that conditions will change in the country.