STATEMENT
38th special session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher,
in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf ofthe Nordic Baltic countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
14 November 2025 Check against delivery
President,
On behalf of The Nordic and Baltic countries I welcome this special session on the human right situation in and around El Fasher following the RSF’s takeover.
The people of Sudan are living through a catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis. Civilians are suffering on an unimaginable scale.
We are gravely alarmed by recent credible reports of indiscriminate violence and deliberate mass killings of innocent civilians in El Fasher, including on the basis of ethnicity. We receive reports of torture and sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Such acts, if substantiated, may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. Those responsible must be held accountable, noting the important role that the International Criminal Court plays in this regard. The violence must stop.
We are concerned that human rights defenders and local aid groups are targeted. We strongly urge all parties to agree to an immediate truce or ceasefire and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. All external actors must end support to warring parties and respect the UN arms embargo.
This war must come to an end and give way for an inclusive political process towards democracy and a civilian-led government for Sudan. We commend the Quad countries for their efforts.
Thank you.