UN Human Rights Council appoints Nigerian and others for Sudan fact-finding mission

In response to the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, the President of the Human Rights Council, Václav Bálek of Czech Republic, has announced the appointment of three independent members to serve on the new Independent International Fact-Finding Mission. The appointed members include Mohamed Chande Othman of Tanzania, Joy Ezeilo of Nigeria, and Mona Rishmawi of Jordan/Switzerland, with Mr. Othman serving as the Chair of the Mission.

Established through resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2 in October, the Fact-Finding Mission is mandated to investigate and establish facts, circumstances, and root causes of alleged human rights violations, abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on April 15, 2023. The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and other warring parties.

The Mission, initially set for one year, is tasked with collecting and analyzing evidence for potential legal proceedings, identifying responsible individuals and entities, and making recommendations to end impunity, ensure accountability, and provide access to justice for victims.

To ensure a thorough and impartial selection process, the President of the Human Rights Council sought recommendations and expressions of interest from stakeholders. The Council has outlined a timeline for the Fact-Finding Mission, including an oral update on findings and an interactive dialogue at the Council’s fifty-sixth session in June-July 2024. Additionally, a comprehensive report is expected at the fifty-seventh session in September-October 2024, with the findings submitted to the UN General Assembly during its seventy-ninth session in October 2024.