Resolution on the threat of war crimes, the escalating violations of international humanitarian law and the human rights situation in El-Obeid, Sudan

The European Parliament adopted by 476 votes to 28, with 96 abstentions, a resolution on the threat of war crimes, the escalating violations of international humanitarian law and the human rights situation in El-Obeid, Sudan.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, The Left groups and Members.

As a reminder, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 33 million people, including 16 million children, requiring aid and millions facing hunger and displacement.

The RSF have laid siege to El-Obeid, reportedly preparing an imminent ground offensive. In addition, international actors warn of the risk of mass atrocities in El-Obeid, with 500 000 civilians at risk.

Parliament condemned in the strongest terms the war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan, particularly the ongoing RSF siege of El-Obeid, and insisted that the international community prevent a repetition of the El-Fasher massacre and force the RSF to lift its siege on El Obeid.

In this regard, Members called for the EU to:

- urgently increase humanitarian support for Sudan. They called for direct funding for Emergency Response Rooms and other local frontline organisations;

- join the African Union and the UN in efforts to engage the warring parties towards a ceasefire and to support a civilian-led peace process;

- impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals responsible for war crimes in Sudan.

- conduct independent investigations into alleged war crimes.

Furthermore, the resolution stressed the need for humanitarian corridors to ensure civilian evacuation routes and crossline and cross-border humanitarian access to El-Obeid.

Condemning all external interference fuelling the war, Parliament urged all states, including the UAE, to cease financing, arms supply or other support of the RSF.

Lastly, Members stressed that the EU should add the RSF to its list of terrorist organisations and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.