The United Nation’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan deplored the increasing violence in Darfur region on Monday, as the war enters its third year. The Fact-Finding Mission called for an immediate ceasefire between both parties under respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, Mohamed Chande, stated:

The world has witnessed two years of ruthless conflict which has trapped millions of civilians in harrowing situations, subjecting them to violations and suffering with no end in sight. Amid the rising tide of hate speech and ethnically driven violence and reprisals, we fear the darkest chapters of this conflict have yet to unfold.

The condemnation followed the killing of more than 100 people at the displacement camps in Darfur over the weekend.

The conflict in Sudan broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forced (RSF) in the capital, Khartoum, in 2023. The violence quickly spread across Sudan. The conflict triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. An increase in rape and sexual violence has also been reported. The UN Refugee Agency found that around 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance while facing extreme food, water, medicine, and fuel shortages.

The UN Human Rights Council established the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan under resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2 to investigate the alleged human rights and IHL violations during the conflict.

Mona Rishmawi, a member of the Fact-Finding Mission, stated following the recent attacks which targeted the Zamam and Abu Shouk settlements for internally displaced people:

Deliberate attacks on civilians, medical workers and healthcare infrastructure amount to international crimes. These acts highlight the urgent need to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians and the lifesaving systems they rely on.… Our Fact-Finding Mission has found already last year that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both sides have committed war crimes, and in the case of the RSF, also crimes against humanity.

An International Criminal Court investigation in Darfur is currently focusing on alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Under the Rome Statute, these crimes are considered the most serious crimes of concern to the international community that warrant the adjudication of an international court.

The UK is hosting a conference with around 20 nations and organizations to discuss ways to end the conflict in Sudan. The mission, along with various human rights groups, urges states to find a resolution focusing on civilian protection and the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid. Additionally, they call for the international community to refrain from fueling the conflict.