POLICY BRIEF: 2026-09-24
⏱ 3 min read

Executive Summary

Amnesty International’s latest report unveils harrowing crimes against humanity committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur, Sudan. The report highlights atrocities such as ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and child exploitation, urging the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians and address systemic failures in global migration and asylum policies.

The conflict in Sudan, particularly in North Darfur, has escalated into a humanitarian catastrophe. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), originally formed from the Janjaweed militia, have been accused of widespread atrocities against civilians. These crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign to displace and terrorize vulnerable populations, especially non-Arab communities like the Zaghawa.

Historically, Sudan has been plagued by internal conflicts rooted in ethnic, political, and economic disparities. The RSF’s actions in El Fasher and surrounding areas represent a continuation of this tragic legacy. Compounding the crisis, international actors have failed to enforce arms embargoes and have even facilitated the conflict through arms sales and political support. This has left millions displaced, starving, and exposed to violence, with children and women bearing the brunt of these atrocities.

Global Indifference and Complicity: The international community’s response to the Sudan crisis has been marked by inaction and complicity. Despite clear evidence of crimes against humanity, powerful nations have prioritized geopolitical interests over human rights. For example, arms sales from countries like China, Russia, and the UAE have fueled the conflict, while Western nations have cut humanitarian aid, exacerbating the suffering of displaced populations.

Structural Failures in Multilateral Mechanisms: The weakening of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, has further hindered effective intervention. Starved of resources and undermined by political pressures, these institutions have been unable to enforce existing sanctions or mobilize meaningful support for Sudanese civilians. This failure highlights the urgent need for reforms to strengthen international accountability mechanisms.

The Role of Ethnic and Gender-Based Violence: The RSF’s deliberate targeting of women, children, and ethnic minorities underscores the intersectional nature of this crisis. Sexual violence, ethnic cleansing, and the recruitment of child soldiers are not just war tactics but tools of systemic oppression. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal accountability, survivor support, and community rebuilding.

Impact on Migrants

The Sudan crisis is a stark reminder of the human cost of global inaction and complicity. Addressing this humanitarian disaster requires a coordinated international effort to hold perpetrators accountable, provide robust support for refugees, and reform migration policies to prioritize human dignity and safety.