UN Authorizes Investigation into Mass Killings in Sudan‘s Darfur Region
Geneva, Switzerland – November 14, 2025 – The United Nations Human Rights Council today authorized a full investigation into widespread allegations of mass killings and other atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region.The decision, reached after sustained pressure from human rights organizations, marks a critical step towards accountability for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The investigation will focus on reported abuses perpetrated by the Rapid Support forces (RSF) and allied militias, and also the Sudanese Armed Forces, since the outbreak of fighting on april 15, 2023. The escalating violence has disproportionately impacted communities in Darfur, where a history of conflict and ethnic tensions has fueled renewed brutality. The UN’s move comes amid mounting evidence of targeted attacks against civilians, sexual violence, and the intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid.
The resolution passed by the Human Rights Council mandates a team of independent experts to gather and preserve evidence of violations, identify perpetrators, and make recommendations for future accountability measures. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who has repeatedly voiced grave concerns over the situation in Sudan, welcomed the decision, stating that the international community must “take this immensely seriously.”
A UN arms embargo has been in place for Darfur since 2004, yet it has not been extended nationwide despite repeated appeals from human rights groups who argue that the continued flow of weapons is exacerbating the crisis. The investigation’s findings could bolster calls for a complete arms embargo and increased international pressure on all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law.
Additional reporting by Tom Bateman.
