‘Empty Rhetoric Is Not Enough’: Rights Experts Demand Action on Sudan
Millions Displaced: Human Rights Experts Sound Alarm Over Sudan Crisis at UN Geneva
Geneva, 1 July 2026 — Human rights advocates, diplomats and civil society representatives gathered at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Wednesday to draw renewed international attention to Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis, warning that millions of internally displaced people and refugees continue to face severe protection risks as conflict spreads across the country.
The NGO briefing, held alongside the 62nd Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), focused on the human rights situation in Africa, with particular attention to Sudanese internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). The event was jointly organized by the Sudan Knowledge Centre (SKC), the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), the African Centre for Legal Studies, and partner organizations.
According to the organizers, Africa continues to face complex human rights challenges despite progress in some regions. Speakers cited armed conflicts, terrorism, and unconstitutional changes of government as major factors undermining the protection of fundamental rights across the continent.
The briefing highlighted Sudan as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. Organizers stated that an estimated 16 million people have been forcibly displaced, both within Sudan and across its borders, amid ongoing violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. They also raised concerns over recent reports of forced evictions and demolitions of homes in Khartoum, describing them as a serious humanitarian issue with alleged ethnic implications.
Participants expressed particular concern over the deteriorating situation in El-Obeid, in Sudan’s Kordofan State, urging the international community to move beyond statements of concern and take more effective action to protect civilians.
The discussion also emphasized the growing burden placed on neighboring countries. Chad and the Central African Republic were recognized for hosting large numbers of Sudanese refugees despite facing significant economic and humanitarian constraints of their own.
The event featured presentations from diplomats, human rights experts and researchers, including representatives from Chad, the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, and Sudan Peace Tracker. Discussions examined emerging displacement trends and the wider implications for regional stability and humanitarian protection.
The side event took place during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is being held in Geneva from 15 June to early July 2026, bringing together governments, UN experts and civil society organizations to address global human rights challenges.
Growing Regional Concern
The organizers stressed that the Sudan crisis is no longer solely a national emergency but a regional humanitarian challenge affecting neighboring countries and requiring sustained international cooperation. They called for stronger protection of civilians, greater humanitarian assistance for displaced populations, and increased international support for countries hosting Sudanese refugees.
As the Human Rights Council continues its current session in Geneva, Sudan remains one of the key country situations under discussion, reflecting mounting international concern over the conflict’s humanitarian consequences.
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