The United Nations Human Rights Council has approved a decision to extend the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan until 2026, amid a divided vote that reflects complex international dynamics and underscores the need to continue investigating violations committed since the war began.
During an official session held on Monday and chaired by Switzerland’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jürg Lauber, the Council adopted draft resolution A/HRC/60/L.18. The resolution received support from 24 member states, with 12 abstentions and 11 votes against, according to Dr. Mohamed Saleh Yassin, a human rights defender and member of the leadership body of the “Sumood” Civil Democratic Alliance, speaking to Radio Dabanga.
Yassin noted that support for the resolution has grown gradually—from 19 votes at its inception to 23 last year, and now 24—reflecting expanding international backing for the mission’s continued work. He added that opposition to the resolution came from states with procedural reservations about the extension mechanism, rather than outright rejection of its essence.
Under the resolution, the mission’s mandate is extended for another year with a budget of about USD 5.97 million to continue probing grave human rights violations committed since the conflict erupted. Yassin described the inclusion of international criminal law and the International Criminal Court in the text as a significant development that strengthens its legal grounding.
The resolution also commended the efforts of the Quartet Mechanism to end the war, achieve a humanitarian truce, and ensure unhindered aid delivery. It condemned both warring parties and their affiliated militias while rejecting any external interference in Sudanese affairs, particularly regarding arms flows. It further praised international and regional initiatives—especially those led by democratic and civil forces—calling for the formation of a civilian transitional government leading to general elections.
Yassin characterized the resolution as an important step toward a democratic solution, emphasizing its call for an immediate ceasefire. It also mandates the submission of a detailed report to the UN General Assembly’s 81st session in 2026 and allows for recommendations to be referred to the Security Council or for an emergency session to be convened if the situation on the ground demands it.
Sudanese Government Criticism
The Sudanese government, for its part, denounced the decision. Sudan’s representative to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid, argued that the mission’s continued mandate unfairly equates the “rebel militia” with the Sudanese Armed Forces and serves as a tool of political pressure at a time when the army is advancing militarily.
He questioned the international community’s credibility in protecting human rights, asking, “Does this mean that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the independent expert working on the ground in Sudan are incapable and ineffective?”
Hamid criticized the decision for ignoring mention of states providing financial and military support to the Rapid Support Forces, accusing the resolution of overlooking extensive, evidence-based reports proving the United Arab Emirates’ involvement in backing what he called a “terrorist militia.” He added that the countries sponsoring the resolution are effectively protecting that state.
The ambassador reaffirmed that the Sudanese government remains committed to its people and considers the protection of human rights a national obligation, not an external mandate. He stressed that the armed forces will continue fulfilling their constitutional duty, regardless of international attempts to equate them with the Rapid Support Forces.
