The 62nd session of the Human Rights Council

15 June - 7 July 2026

Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan

15 June 2026

Deputy Head Commissioner of Human Rights Affirms Gang Rape, Sexual Torture and Enslavement are Used Systematically as Weapons of War in Sudan Conflict

By Gabriel Hug / GICJ

The Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) for Sudan provided information on the situation in Sudan and revealed that civilians face abhorrent conditions in the country. 

The Deputy Head Commissioner of Human Rights reported that more than 1000 civilians have been killed by drone strikes in Sudan this year and that sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war, including gang rape, sexual torture and sexual enslavement. The Deputy Head Commissioner emphasised that the absence of accountability for these crimes have led to “rampant impunity”. 

Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the FFM, expressed concerns regarding the use of arbitrary detentions, torture and disappearances as “instruments of control over civilian populations”, particularly against civilians suspected of collaborating with the opposed military group. The representative of a civil society organisation drew attention to the need for accountability and affirmed that “those responsible for atrocities must be brought to account, not welcomed as heroes”. 

The representative of Sudan underlined that militias perpetrated abuses, rape and displacements on the basis of geographical and racial belonging. She called for an end to foreign support to militias engaged in the conflict, most notably by the United Arab Emirates. 

The positions taken by the groups of countries revealed different priorities. While the European Union’s representative pressed for full cooperation with the FFM, Kenya’s representative, speaking on behalf of the African states, underscored the need for respect of Sudanese sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. 

In their concluding remarks, the members of the FFM urged all conflict parties to immediately stop arbitrary detentions and torture, while affirming that both parties to the conflict have been using detentions and unfair trials to suppress the Sudanese people. Finally, the Deputy High Commissioner of Human Rights urged all conflict parties to uphold their international commitments and indicated the need for more political pressure on the parties and their regional and international allies to achieve a ceasefire. 

For more information, click on the document below: