UN calls for arms embargo and protection force in Sudan

U.N.-backed human rights investigators have called for the establishment of an independent and impartial force to protect civilians in Sudan, where a brutal conflict has been ongoing since April last year. The conflict has resulted in widespread atrocities, including murder, mutilation, and torture, with both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces accused of committing war crimes. The situation has led to over 10 million people being displaced, with many facing famine in camps, particularly in Darfur. The fact-finding team, created by the U.N. Human Rights Council, has urged for an expansion of the arms embargo from the Darfur region to encompass the entire country. They highlighted the complicity of foreign governments that provide arms and financial support to the warring factions, which exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. The report emphasizes the urgent need to halt the violence to protect civilians, particularly women and girls who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence in the conflict. Despite some diplomatic efforts to facilitate aid access, the lack of participation from Sudan's armed forces has hindered progress. The report serves to draw international attention to the ongoing human rights violations and aims to inform the International Criminal Court's investigations into these abuses. The experts have called for a thorough investigation into the involvement of foreign nations in supplying arms to the conflicting parties. The dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, described as the world's worst, necessitates immediate action to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict. The recommendations from the U.N. experts reflect a growing desperation among rights advocates to end the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the war.