EU, UK and Canada condemn possible crimes against humanity in Sudan

(Patria) - The United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union have condemned possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan during the nearly three-year war between the army and paramilitary rivals, AFP reports.

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a fierce fight for control of the country since April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 11 million people, and triggered what the United Nations calls one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

A joint statement on Wednesday stated that the signatories "most strongly condemn the heinous violence against civilians, particularly women and children, and all serious violations of international humanitarian law".

"These violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity and must be promptly and impartially investigated, and those responsible for international crimes must be brought to justice."

"Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread, starvation has been confirmed, and severe hunger continues to spread."

The war has effectively divided the country into two parts, with the army holding the center, north, and east, while the RSF controls the west and, with its allies, parts of the south.

With truce negotiations stalled for months, the UN has repeatedly called on the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and allow access for aid.