Cairo | 9 September 2026

EFHR_Sudan_HRC63_Final_Professional_English

The El Hak Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Human Rights (EFHR) has published a new analytical human rights paper entitled “Sudan before the Sixty-Third Session of the Human Rights Council: From Documenting Violations to Holding Arms and External Support Networks Accountable.”

The paper monitors the treatment of Sudan during the opening days of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC63), which opened in Geneva on 7 September and is scheduled to continue until 7 October 2026.

Prepared as a monitoring edition while the session remains in progress, the paper examines developments through the morning of 9 September 2026, with particular attention to the proceedings of 7 and 8 September, the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, the oral update by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and interventions by States and civil society organizations. fileciteturn0file0L54-L58

From Documenting Violations to Examining the Networks that Sustain the Conflict

A central focus of the paper is report A/HRC/63/23, “Fuelling Sudan’s Conflict: Weapons, Fighters and External Support Networks.”

EFHR notes that the report reflects an important development in the investigative approach to the conflict. Beyond examining direct perpetrators of violations, the Fact-Finding Mission has increasingly focused on the broader networks that may contribute to sustaining the war, including weapons transfers, drones, foreign fighters, financing, transport routes and logistical support. fileciteturn0file0L62-L68

The paper also highlights the growing humanitarian consequences of drone warfare. According to the 8 September update by the Office of the High Commissioner, at least 1,120 civilian deaths resulting from drone attacks were documented during the first six months of 2026, accounting for approximately 80% of civilian deaths documented by the Office during that period. fileciteturn0file0L91-L97

External Support and the Need for Evidentiary Precision

The paper examines the Fact-Finding Mission’s findings concerning cross-border networks allegedly benefiting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while also noting that the Mission described its investigation into external support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) as remaining at an earlier stage.

EFHR stresses that differences in the available evidence and the maturity of different investigative tracks must be accurately reflected in human rights reporting and public debate. Allegations by States or organizations should not be presented as established facts unless supported by credible investigative or judicial findings. fileciteturn0file0L87-L90

Kordofan at the Centre of Growing Civilian Risk

The paper further examines the deteriorating situation in Kordofan, particularly around El Obeid, including attacks affecting essential infrastructure, humanitarian operations and access to water, food and medical care.

It also addresses continuing risks in Darfur and Blue Nile, including arbitrary detention, sexual violence, abduction, looting and the potential regional expansion of the conflict. fileciteturn0file0L91-L99

Accountability Remains a Central Question at HRC63

EFHR’s analysis identifies accountability as one of the principal issues before the Human Rights Council. The paper examines several possible pathways, including continued support for the International Criminal Court within its existing jurisdiction over Darfur, consideration of broader international accountability mechanisms, the use of universal jurisdiction where permitted under national law, and the preservation of evidence for future judicial proceedings. fileciteturn0file0L126-L131

The Foundation also emphasizes the importance of renewing the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, ensuring adequate resources for its work, strengthening evidence preservation, and improving coordination between United Nations, international judicial and African human rights mechanisms. fileciteturn0file0L135-L152

A Changing International Debate on Sudan

The paper concludes that the international discussion on Sudan is increasingly moving beyond the question of who directly committed violations toward a broader examination of the networks, resources and external actors that may enable violations to continue.

At the same time, EFHR stresses that legal responsibility must be established through evidence and applicable legal standards, rather than political accusation or assumption. fileciteturn0file0L153-L155