UN Fact-Finding Mission Urges Global Action to Address Violations in Sudan and Support Refugees in Chad

The Mission, which operated from June 30 to July 18, 2024, emphasized the dire need for increased global support to assist both Sudanese refugees and Chadian communities hosting them.

The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan has issued a stark call for urgent international intervention to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and address severe human rights violations documented during its recent visit to neighboring Chad. The Mission, which operated from June 30 to July 18, 2024, emphasized the dire need for increased global support to assist both Sudanese refugees and Chadian communities hosting them.

During their three-week mission, the Fact-Finding Mission visited various locations in eastern Chad, including Adre, Farchana, and Abeche. The team engaged with Sudanese refugees, local civil society members, and representatives from the diplomatic community and the UN Country Team.

Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, Mohamed Chande Othman, highlighted the urgent need for international aid: "UN entities and humanitarian groups are in dire need of greater financial and other assistance to ensure Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees have access to basic facilities, including nutrition, hygiene, health care, and education."

The Mission underscored the pressure on Chadian communities, particularly the border town of Adre, which now hosts over 200,000 Sudanese refugees—five times its original population. The refugee community reported harrowing experiences, including killings, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and looting. Targeted attacks have been particularly severe against professionals such as lawyers, human rights defenders, teachers, and doctors.

Expert Member Joy Ngozi Ezeilo praised the resilience of widows in the camps but stressed the overwhelming challenges they face: "These women, who have lost their husbands and homes, are now responsible for their children's welfare while facing extreme hardships. They need comprehensive support at all levels."

The Mission also gathered perspectives on measures needed to break the cycle of violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide justice and support to victims. Expert Member Mona Rishmawi condemned the sexual violence reported by victims: "The brutality of these acts, occurring both during captivity and while fleeing, must end. Perpetrators must face justice, and victims need robust physical and psychological support."

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in mid-April last year, has resulted in thousands of deaths, with more than 26 million people in urgent need of aid. The violence has displaced over ten million people internally and driven more than two million into refugee status, with over 600,000 finding refuge in Chad.