EU Statement - HRC - Special Session on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan

United Nations Human Rights Council

Special Session on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan

EU statement

14 November 2025

Mr (Ms Vice) President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine and Republic of Moldova, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

The EU strongly condemns the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and the RSF’s takeover of El Fasher. The civilian population, including the inhabitants of El Fasher, who endured tremendous hardship during the siege of the city, continue to be the victims of this horrible conflict. We are shocked by the credible reports of horrendous atrocities, including in the form of targeted ethnic violence, extrajudicial and summary executions, and widespread sexual and gender-based violence committed by the RSF against the civilian population. The EU strongly condemns these acts, which are part of a broader pattern of violence that has afflicted the entire Darfur region since April 2023, and may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity according to the Fact-Finding Mission and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Violations must immediately stop and be investigated by the Fact-Finding Mission created by this Council. It is critically important to ensure accountability for all violations of international law, and the EU remains committed to supporting efforts to document, investigate and bring them to justice. Persisting impunity breeds new atrocities, as we are now witnessing in Darfur.  In this context, the work of the ICC is highly relevant with regards to investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Darfur from 2002, following the referral from the UN Security Council, including the recent judgement against Ali Abd-Al-Rahman demonstrating that perpetrators of atrocity crimes shall be held accountable.

The atrocities carried out in El Fasher by the RSF top in their brutality and ethnic nature the long list of grave human rights violations and atrocities committed since the outbreak of fighting by SAF, RSF, and allied armed groups. The primary responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the leadership of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those providing them with direct, and indirect support. All parties to the conflict need to engage constructively in inclusive ceasefire negotiations. The EU also urges all external actors directly or indirectly supplying arms, financial support, or support of any other kind to the warring parties to immediately cease such support and to comply with the UN arms embargo. The EU will continue to advocate for expanding the mandate of the ICC and of the UN arms embargo to the whole country.

The EU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, and rejects any attempts to partition Sudan.

Sudan’s globally most severe, man-made humanitarian catastrophe has only worsened with the takeover of El Fasher, exacerbating displacement of mostly women and children, and their protection and hunger crises in Darfur. The EU strongly urges all parties to cease hostilities, and in the meantime, to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law and protect civilians. The EU urges immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access, the safe and unhindered passage for civilians fleeing the violence, and the full respect and protection for humanitarian and medical workers. The EU will continue stepping up its humanitarian effort and aid, which currently stands at 160 MEUR within Sudan alone in 2025, but totalling more than 270 MEUR including alleviating the effects of the crisis on neighbouring countries. The EU will continue to engage also through the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, including with an initiative for on the protection of critical infrastructure.

Finally, the EU strongly supports the vital role played by civil society actors, human rights organisations, Emergency Response Rooms, local and woman's organizations, and accountability mechanisms, including the FFM for Sudan. The EU calls on all parties to fully cooperate with these entities. In this regard, the EU deeply regrets the decision taken by the Sudanese authorities calling for the departure of the country director and head of operations of the World Food Programme (WFP). Security and operational space for humanitarian, peacebuilding and accountability actors must be protected.

Thank you, Mr President.