UN Human Rights Council Urges Ceasefire Amid Sudan Civilian Attacks

Resolution demands an immediate ceasefire and extends the mandate of the mission investigating abuses in Sudan.

Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026

The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned drone strikes and other attacks on civilians in Sudan, emphasizing that there is “no military solution to the crisis” in the country.

In Geneva, the 47-member council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of its independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan by a vote of 28 to 10, with nine abstentions. The resolution demands “an immediate and complete ceasefire by all parties, without preconditions,” alongside the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism and the restoration of basic infrastructure.

The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people, according to human rights groups. The council condemned widespread violations of international humanitarian law by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, citing “indiscriminate attacks against civilians” and “indiscriminate aerial bombardments and drone strikes resulting in civilian deaths and the destruction of critical infrastructure,” including schools and hospitals.

Both sides have sharply increased their use of drones in recent months. UN figures show drone strikes killed more than 1,100 people in the first five months of this year alone. The council also condemned external interference, warning that illicit financial networks, illegal arms transfers, and foreign mercenaries continue to fuel the conflict.

The fact-finding mission, which investigates abuses by both parties, concluded in February that the RSF’s siege and capture of the North Darfur capital, el-Fasher, exhibited “the hallmarks of genocide.” Investigators documented ethnic killings targeting non-Arab groups, widespread sexual violence, and the destruction of medical facilities.

The World Food Programme reported an airstrike on a convoy in North Kordofan that killed one driver and damaged life-saving supplies. The vehicle, clearly marked with humanitarian logos, was attacked on Saturday—24 hours after another WFP vehicle in Dilling was destroyed by an explosive device. The agency emphasized that humanitarian workers and aid assets are not targets and demanded a transparent investigation to hold perpetrators accountable under international law.

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