The European Union condemns human rights violations in Sudan

The European Union condemns human rights violations in Sudan

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaya Kallas, speaking on behalf of the European Union on Sudan,

condemned in the strongest terms the grave and ongoing atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, including those following their takeover of El Fasher.

In a statement issued by the European Union, she said that the deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated killings, sexual and gender-based violence, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and the obstruction of humanitarian access constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

These acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In response to these crimes, the EU Foreign Affairs Council today adopted restrictive measures against Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the second-in-command of the Rapid Support Forces.

The European Union reaffirms its readiness to impose any additional restrictive measures, as appropriate, on all parties responsible for destabilizing Sudan and obstructing its political transition.

Ensuring accountability in Sudan is at the heart of the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Sudan as of 20 October 2025.

The EU will intensify its support for documenting and investigating these violations to break the ongoing cycle of impunity, which continues to generate new atrocities.

The EU supports the vital role of accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, and their investigations into crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces, and their partners.

The culture of impunity in Sudan must end, and those responsible must be held accountable.

The primary responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces, and their allied militias, as well as those who provide them with direct or indirect support.

The European Union urged all external actors to take the necessary measures to end the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to all parties, in accordance with the UN Security Council arms embargo imposed by resolutions 1556 and 1591.

The EU will continue to advocate for extending the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and the arms embargo to cover all of Sudan.

In its statement, the EU urges all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire, in line with the Quartet statement of 12 September.

The EU will continue to work with the Quartet and other international partners, including as co-chair of the Paris and London conferences, to end the suffering of the Sudanese people and find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict. It stressed the urgent need to end the violence in Sudan.

The protection of civilians and humanitarian access are not contingent on a ceasefire. The EU calls for concrete measures to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, grassroots organizations, and local responders, and commends their courage.

All parties to the conflict must abide by international humanitarian law.

Civilians on the move and wishing to leave El Fasher and other besieged towns must be granted safe passage.

Hosts must be released immediately.

The European Union stresses the need to ensure immediate, unconditional, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

Humanitarian actors must not be subject to any administrative fees or taxes, and the issuance and renewal of visas and travel permits must be expedited.

Humanitarian workers must not be arbitrarily expelled.

The United Nations must be allowed a permanent presence in Darfur and other areas outside the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces.

In the long term, the grievances that fuel conflict in Sudan, such as the marginalization of peripheral regions, can only be addressed through a comprehensive, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political process.

The European Union will cooperate with all parties to the conflict and intensify its support for dialogue among Sudanese civilian political groups, in close collaboration with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Quartet members, and other partners.

The European Union reaffirms its commitment to supporting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and to ensuring the preservation of its governmental institutions.

The European Union rejects the emergence of parallel governing structures, any action that could lead to the division of the country, and any external interference that could exacerbate tensions and fuel the conflict.