The motion, led by the United Kingdom and backed by several countries, calls for urgent investigations into allegations of summary executions, abductions, torture and widespread sexual violence as Sudan’s conflict continues to devastate communities.
Speaking to Channel Africa, Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan Majak Daniel Kuany Alier described the situation in al-Obeid as “tragic”, saying reports emerging from the area warrant immediate international attention.
Alier welcomed the Human Rights Council’s decision and urged investigators to move swiftly in gathering evidence and identifying those responsible for alleged abuses. “The investigation really needs to be expedited, and those who are found guilty should be brought to book and justice served,” said Alier.
Although access to conflict zones remains highly restricted, Alier said information gathered by humanitarian organisations, citizen journalists and local communities points to a pattern of serious violations. “Nobody could take away the fact that atrocities have been committed,” said Alier.
Alier noted that restrictions on media freedom have complicated efforts to independently verify events on the ground, but added that journalists continue to work with available sources, including medical personnel, aid agencies and local residents.
The resolution comes amid increasing concern that violence in Sudan is intensifying despite repeated international appeals for restraint. Alier said meaningful accountability will require more than public condemnation. “Coming up and condemning is not enough,” said Alier. “There is a need to identify perpetrators and impose serious sanctions.”
Alier argued that targeted sanctions, accountability measures and stricter controls on the flow of weapons into the conflict could have a greater impact on parties involved in the fighting.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, Alier expressed concern that neither side currently appears willing to engage meaningfully in negotiations. “At the moment, neither side is backing down,” said Alier.
According to Alier, regional organisations and neighbouring countries have an important role to play in applying pressure on the parties to return to dialogue.
The conflict, which has displaced millions of people and triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, continues to pose major challenges for civilians, humanitarian workers and journalists operating in Sudan.
Alier said the latest UN action is an important step, but stressed that sustained international engagement will be needed to ensure investigations lead to accountability and help create conditions for a political solution to the conflict.
–ChannelAfrica–
