HRC discusses the Sudanese Armed Forces’ use of Chemical Weapons 

The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) held a session to discuss mounting reports of the Sudanese Armed Forces’ use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons in the ongoing Sudanese war, amidst warnings from human rights organizations that such practices might very well amount to war crimes and serious violations of the International Humanitarian Law.

During the session, human rights experts reviewed testimonies and field reports indicating civilian casualties with symptoms associated with the exposure to internationally prohibited chemicals, including instances of severe suffocation, skin burns, and respiratory problems.

A number of special rapporteurs called for an independent and transparent investigation overseen by specialized UN committees, emphasizing accountability for those involved if the use of the aforementioned prohibited weapons is proven.

Furthermore, representatives of some Member States called for urgent international restrictions on arms supplies to Sudan and intensified political and diplomatic pressure to halt the harrowing violations., whilst others emphasized the importance of reaching a comprehensive political solution as the only path to ending the cycle of war and violations.

It is worth noting that the use of chemical weapons is prohibited under the (1997 Chemical Weapons Convention), and its violation is considered an international crime, subjecting perpetrators to prosecution before the International Criminal Court (ICC).