UN Human Rights Council condemns drone strikes in Sudan

The UN Human Rights Council has condemned the use of drones and indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sudan. In a resolution passed by 28 nations with 10 against and 9 abstentions, the Council criticized aerial bombardments and drone strikes that have caused civilian deaths and destroyed essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

The Council emphasized that there is no military solution to the crisis and called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire from all parties. It further recommended the creation of an independent monitoring mechanism to oversee the ceasefire and the restoration of vital infrastructure, advocating for a peaceful resolution through negotiations.

Additionally, the Council decided to extend the mandate of the international independent commission of inquiry into the situation in Sudan for one year. This follows a February finding that the siege and takeover of El Fasher by paramilitary forces exhibited ‘characteristics of genocide.’ The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has resulted in at least 200,000 deaths.