Human Rights Watch calls for the United Nations Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Sudan to address ongoing human rights violations amid a protracted civil war primarily in the Darfur region. With evidence of arms supply continuing despite existing restrictions, HRW emphasizes the need for a comprehensive ban across the nation to halt the conflict’s detrimental humanitarian impact and calls for sanctions against violators of current embargoes.

The United Nations Security Council is anticipated to cast a vote on Wednesday regarding the renewal of sanctions that restrict the transfer of military equipment to the Darfur region of Sudan. This impending decision coincides with an appeal from Human Rights Watch (HRW) urging the Council to broaden the current arms embargo imposed on the troubled region to encompass the entire nation. The western Darfur region has become a focal point of Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, which is characterized by hostilities between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF), the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and various militias. Reports from U.N. agencies and human rights organizations have documented numerous war crimes and egregious violations of human rights perpetrated by all parties involved in the conflict, which has persisted for nearly 18 months. In light of the upcoming vote, Human Rights Watch is advocating for a comprehensive arms embargo across Sudan to help halt ongoing violations of human rights and alleviate the plight of the populace. The Sudanese government has publicly opposed the extension of the embargo. Investigations by Human Rights Watch have indicated that several weapons utilized in the conflict were procured after the outbreak of civil unrest in April of the previous year. Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, indicated, “We based our research on an analysis of photos and videos posted on social media and primarily taken by the fighters themselves, showing them in possession and using equipment such as attack drones, drone jammers, anti-tank guided missiles, as well as truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers systems and mortar munitions.” The organization’s report identifies that some munitions, such as mortars, were produced in China last year, with other arms sourced from companies in Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates. The origins of the arms embargo trace back to 2004, following the initial conflict in Darfur involving ethnic militias and government-supported militias recognized as the Janjaweed. Initially imposed on non-governmental entities, the embargo was later expanded to restrict all parties involved, including the Sudanese government. Ahmed Hashi, a political and security analyst focused on the Horn of Africa, expressed concern about the limited actions taken by the international community to address the conflict. He mentioned, “I think the United Arab Emirates and other proxy states are arming Mr. Hamedi. I think that the rebellion inside Sudan is foreign-led. I think that the people who caused the Janjaweed and caused international human rights, international crime are fighting in Sudan. I’m afraid that terrorism will rear its ugly head. It is the tragic human rights issue of the 21st century. And we are all, including me, ashamed as Africans that we have not done anything.” The UAE has, however, refuted claims of its involvement in arming the RSF. Gallopin underscored that a localized arms ban is insufficient to resolve the ongoing conflict, asserting the necessity for a nationwide prohibition. He stated, “We believe that the existing embargo is not sufficient, that there needs to be a wholesale embargo on the sale of armed and military equipment to the whole of Sudan, because we documented, we and others documented very serious abuses carried out by the warring parties since last year, including widespread war crimes, crimes against humanity. We know we published a report on Darfur showing that ethnic cleansing was committed. And so we think it’s urgent for the Security Council to broaden that arms embargo.” Furthermore, HRW urges the Security Council to take a firm stance against governments that violate the existing arms restrictions on Darfur while also enforcing punitive measures against individuals and entities that perpetuate these violations.

The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in the western Darfur region, has escalated due to the civil war that erupted over 18 months ago between various factions, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. These factions have been accused of committing widespread human rights violations and war crimes amid ongoing violence. The United Nations has historically maintained an arms embargo on Darfur since 2004, initially directed at non-governmental factions but later extended to encompass all parties to the conflict, including the government of Sudan. Nevertheless, Human Rights Watch has identified recent instances where military equipment has continued to flow into the region, highlighting the urgent need for the UN Security Council to act decisively by broadening the embargo to include the entire country.

In conclusion, the UN Security Council is poised to reconsider the sanctions currently in place regarding arms transfers to Sudan. Human Rights Watch asserts that extending the arms embargo to encompass the entire country is critical to addressing human rights violations and ongoing violence. With evidence suggesting ongoing supply of weaponry to combatants in the region, experts and human rights advocates are calling for immediate action to halt these abuses, which they argue are tantamount to crimes against humanity. The international community faces pressing moral and ethical responsibilities in addressing the turmoil and supporting the civilian population in Sudan.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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