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23 July 2024 (Geneva) – The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan said it had recently documented a disturbing pattern of serious human rights violations in Chad and called on the international community to urgently step up efforts to end the ongoing conflict in the country.
The delegation visited Chad from June 30 to July 18 and met with victims and survivors of the Sudanese conflict as well as members of Sudanese civil society, the diplomatic community and the United Nations country team, a statement said.
The assessment mission travelled to eastern Chad, including Adré, Falchana and Abesh.
The fact-finding mission stressed the need for support, while recognizing the efforts of the Chadian authorities, United Nations entities and other humanitarian actors.
“This crisis requires the support of the entire international community,” said Mohamed Chand Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. “More financial and other assistance is urgently needed from UN entities and the humanitarian community to ensure that Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees have access to basic facilities, including nutrition, hygiene needs, health care and education.”
In a statement obtained by Sudan Tribune, the fact-finding mission also called on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance to Chad’s host communities, noting that these communities are under tremendous pressure.
The Chadian border town of Adré currently hosts more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees.
The report also documents horrific killings, sexual violence (including gang rape), arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, looting, house burnings and the use of child soldiers.
According to the mission, many violations appear to target professionals, such as lawyers, human rights defenders, teachers and doctors.
Furthermore, forced displacement was also seen as a common feature.
“I admire the courage of the many widows we met in the camps,” said Joy Ngozi Ezelo, a member of the UN team. “No one should have to go through this brutal, life-changing experience. In addition to losing their husbands and partners, these women have the sole responsibility of feeding, educating and caring for multiple children, while losing their homes and means of livelihood. They need support at all levels.”
There have been numerous calls for accountability for various atrocities.
“It is heartbreaking to hear the testimonies of victims of sexual violence,” explained expert member Mona Rishmawi, adding, “This violence appears to occur both in captivity and when women and girls flee. Sometimes it is to punish women who actively defend their communities. Sometimes it is random and opportunistic. These cruel acts must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Victims also need strong physical and psychological support, which is currently being denied to them.”
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands since it broke out in mid-April last year.
According to the United Nations, more than 26 million people are in urgent need of assistance and face food shortages, and more than 10 million civilians are internally displaced.
(English stone)
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