1st Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished representatives, dear colleagues, I hereby declare open the 63rd regular session of the Human Rights Council. It is my honor to welcome Mr. Walker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is also a special pleasure to welcome six delegates who are here thanks to the generous support of the donors to the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to support the participation of least developed countries and small island developing states in the work of the Council. The delegates are from Angola, Barbados, Benin, Cambodia, Jamaica and the Marshall Islands. We look forward to their active participation in the Council. Distinguished representatives, allow me to address a few organizational and procedural matters. During the organizational meeting on 24th of August, we discussed the draft program of work for the 63rd session. Following the Council's adoption of extraordinary cost and time saving measures on that day, the session is expected to close on Wednesday, 7 October, and the latest draft of the program of work dated 25th August. Reflecting this adjustment is available on the Council's portal. Let me thank you in advance for your cooperation in respecting the speaking time limit in order to complete our work on time. At this point, are there any delegations wishing to take the floor to make comments on the draft programme of work as it currently stands? I see no request for the floor. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, I now propose that the Council approve the draft program of work with the understanding that it is a living document. I encourage everyone to regularly check the SCAD website or applications for the latest updates. Does any member of the Council wish to comment on this proposal? I see none. If I see no objection, the program of work of our this session is approved. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, the events online system for inscription on the list of speakers for all general debates, interactive dialogues and panel discussions opened on Monday, 31 August at 10 a.m. and will close two hours before the meeting in which the respective dialogue or discussion is scheduled to begin. Once the online inscription has closed, delegations may still inscribe or withdraw by sending an e-mail to the list of speakers desk. The list of speakers will close approximately 15 minutes after the beginning of each debate. The procedure for the registration for the list of speakers for panel discussions and interactive dialogues will be the same as previous sessions. Interested states will be asked to rank panels and interactive dialogues in the order of their priorities. Speaking slots will be allocated by the system taking into account their priorities. If the number of states indicating the highest priority for a particular debate exceeds the maximum number of available speaking slots, the slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The online system for inscription on the list of speakers for the adoptions of UPR will open on Monday, 14 September at 9am and close on Thursday, 17 September at 6pm. No inscriptions will be possible after this deadline. For National Human Rights Institutions and non-governmental organizations, the list of speakers for all debates during the session opened online on Tuesday, 00 p.m. For indigenous peoples, the list of speakers for the interactive dialogues with Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as for the annual panel discussions on the rights of indigenous peoples, also open online on 1st September at 2:00 PM via the events platform. In order to balance the importance of inclusivity and what is feasible in terms of time and resources, the list of speakers for NGOs for each of the general debates will be set in line with the average number of NGOs that participated in each of the general debates in the previous three September sessions. So that is the 60th, 57th, and 54th sessions. I kindly request that all participants upload the Word version of their oral statements through the online system for the list of speakers. If this is not possible, please send them by e-mail to conference services and the Council Secretariat. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, Allow me to recall that the deadline for the submission of draft proposals for the 63rd session is Thursday, 24 September at 1:00 p.m. Geneva time. I encourage sponsors to table proposals as early as possible. The submission of a proposal after the deadline needs the prior approval by the Council before it is registered by the Secretariat. Only under exceptional circumstances would an extension of the deadline for the submission of draft proposals be approved by the Council, and for a maximum of 24 hours. Let me also underline that in accordance with resolution 5/1, delegations are invited to conduct open-ended informal consultations to secure broadest possible support for their initiatives. At least one open-ended informal consultation should be held on each draft resolutions and/or decisions before it is considered for action by the Council. I encourage delegation to continue strengthening coordination and dialogue among main sponsors, including those focusing on similar issues, and to consult with the co-facilitators for rationalization and efficiency with a view to advance the Council's endeavor to advance rationalization and efficiency. In the interest of ensuring the effective participation of all stakeholders in the work of the Human Rights Council, I encourage main sponsors of draft proposals to share draft texts with civil society organizations and other observers that follow informal consultations. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, the effective conduct of the Council sessions as well as the fulfilment of its mandate rests upon a constructive, safe and respectful environment, as all of you are aware of. Disagreement with mandate holders and their reports can always be expressed. However, it should be unacceptable to all of us and it should be unacceptable for them to be insulted, personally attacked, threatened or subjected to efforts aimed at undermining their independence and integrity when discharging their mandates. Let me also reiterate my deep concern and regret, as I'm sure it's shared by most, if not all of you, at the personal attacks and unlawful actions directed against certain mandate holders of the Council. Such practices are incompatible with the spirit of cooperation and dialogue that must underpin our work. As President, I will support them in the face of any inappropriate attacks. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, Let me emphasize that it is in our common interest to have an environment of trust and safety at the Council. States should prevent and ensure adequate protection against any act of intimidation or reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, as affirmed in Council resolution 16/21. Intimidation and reprisals can take many forms. They may occur against those who engage during council sessions, in or outside the assembly hall, or at other council-related meetings, UPR working group sessions, or during the national process, with special procedures during their visits or when sending information to mandate holders. Experts and panelists invited to participate in the Council meetings may also be affected. It is our obligation to ensure that intimidation or reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations in human rights will not happen under any circumstances. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, turning to zero tolerance towards harassment, Let me also emphasize that the United Nations, including this Council, has a zero tolerance for any form of harassment, including sexual harassment. The UNOCHP Director-General has pledged to implement the Code of Conduct to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, at UN system events. The Bureau encourages all participants, including States and NGOs, and to be aware of and fully uphold the zero tolerance policy and comply with the code of conduct. Delegations chairing informal consultations should consider reminding participants in the meeting of the rules of participation to help prevent such incidents. So this is a responsibility broadly shared among all of us that would be also chairing meetings. On a related matter, allow me to thank the UN Security and Safety Service of the United Nations Office in Geneva for its continuous support for the Council. The Service has confirmed a continuous security presence in the Assembly Hall throughout the session. I appreciate its commitment to the safe and secure conduct of our work, particularly given the operational constraint it currently faces. Moreover, allow me to recall that Her Excellency, Ambassador Caroline Ziade, Permanent Representative of Lebanon, is serving this Council as gender focal point, including for cases of sexual harassment at meetings and events of the Human Rights Council. encourage everyone to refer to the webpage on the conduct of participants in the meetings and events of the Human Rights Council to learn more about preventing harassment and sexual harassment and how to report an incident when one does occur. All right. All complaints will be dealt with promptly. It has to be. Let me now turn to accessibility in the Council. In accordance with its resolution 16/21, the Council's Task Force on Accessibility works on improving access and participation of persons with disabilities in the work of the Council. His Excellency Ambassador Segap Kebebe Daka. is serving as chair of the task force on accessibility, and there is also a focal point for accessibility within the secretariat. Inclusion and participation of all should be the guiding principle of our work. With this, I encourage delegations to consider requesting the accessibility of mandated panel discussions to ensure live captioning and sign language interpretation. In addition, delegations are requested to upload their oral statements in Word accessibility format so they can be accessible to persons with disabilities. Captioning of video statements is also greatly encouraged. So that ends the points I need to convey on organizational matters. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, I now declare open agenda item 2, entitled Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. This agenda item will remain open throughout the session. The Human Rights Council will now hear an oral update by the High Commissioner, and I now have the pleasure of giving the floor to Mr. Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for presentation. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished participants. We live in an age of extremes. Raging wars, painful polarization, climate chaos, and head-spinning technological change make people feel disoriented and even powerless. Strong forces are working to create and sustain that feeling. Tech moguls, populists, and vested interests amplified by social media echo chambers tell us these trends are inevitable. In fact, the opposite is true. History is full of brave people who took action to resist oppression and demand their rights. People who called out injustice and inequality, people who refused to accept their fate, coming together to channel the universal values that underpin our humanity. This truth is a force to be reckoned with, underpinning all that we are doing. The past years have been marked by a growing number of armed conflicts. and diminishing respect for international human rights and humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter itself. There are now more than 60 wars involving at least one state, the highest number since the end of the Second World War. The surge in conflict between states takes us into particularly dangerous territory. I am alarmed by the resumption of attacks between the United States and Iran, affecting the entire Gulf region. Recent reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including at a wedding in Hormozgan province, are particularly concerning. The geopolitical and economic impacts of this entirely avoidable crisis are again reverberating around the world, and I appeal for an immediate return to negotiations. Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is on a menacing trajectory, with soaring civilian casualties and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure. While the overwhelming majority of civilians killed are Ukrainians, there are also reports of growing numbers of deaths and injuries in Russia. I am horrified by reports that fully autonomous drones launched by the Russian Federation killed three Ukrainians last month. Ukraine has reportedly also field-tested such weapons, and I join calls for the urgent prohibition of weapons that can take lives without human involvement. There is only one way out of this madness: peace negotiations that respect the UN Charter. In its fourth year, the war in Sudan is expanding. Parties to the conflict continue to launch attacks on markets, hospitals, fuel stations, and other civilian infrastructure. I urge the Council to focus on the deteriorating situation in Kordofan, Blue Nile, and North and West Darfur, where civilians are at imminent risk. Again, there needs to be an immediate ceasefire, an end to foreign involvement, and a return to inclusive civilian rule. In Gaza, Israel has killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in daily strikes, despite the ceasefire that was announced almost a year ago, according to the figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. It continues to restrict the entry of humanitarian aid, and I am appalled by Israeli proposals for the forced expulsion of all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the constant stream of dehumanizing rhetoric by some senior officials. I'm also troubled that armed groups affiliated with Hamas have executed and tortured several Palestinians suspected of collaboration. In the West Bank, Israel's annexation is unfolding unobstructed despite the clear ruling of the International Court of Justice What more will it take for states to take action to prevent the entrenchment of occupation across land earmarked for Palestinians under the two-state solution? They need to end the transfer to Israel of arms that risk being used to violate international law. Companies also need to end business practices that support illegal settlements. We need far greater efforts by the international community towards sustainable peace in which Palestine and Israel live side by side in equal dignity and rights, in line with UN resolutions and international law. Words of condemnation ring hollow in the face of deliberate violations and suffering. In Lebanon, Israeli forces must end attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. My office's assessment team is investigating violations committed by both Israel and Hezbollah since the 2nd of March, and this is crucial for truth-telling and accountability. Beyond these conflicts, there are many places around the world where people are neither at war nor at peace. Negotiations are breaking down, ceasefires are disregarded. I am concerned about renewed hostilities in South Sudan and escalating tensions in Yemen, and I urge the parties to exercise restraint and the international community to do all it can to avert a return to all-out war. And I again urge the Houthis to release at once our 73 UN and NGO colleagues who have dedicated their lives to easing the suffering of the Yemeni people. In Ethiopia, civilians are bearing the brunt of attacks in Amhara and Oromia, and of renewed tensions in Tigray. I urge all parties to end attacks against civilians and to respect international law, and I call on the government to deliver transitional justice and accountability. We will provide detailed updates on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, and other countries later during this session. Mr. President, war reflects the failure of our humanity. The pursuit of peace embodies humanity at its best. My office will continue its vital work to prevent conflict, monitoring and documenting human rights violations, and supporting states through technical cooperation and capacity building. We will denounce all attempts to disregard international human rights and humanitarian law. And we will continue seeking ways to break cycles of violence. And I see seven entry points that I hope to pursue in the coming years. First, we will step up our analysis and advocacy around the colossal business and economic interests that fuel wars. We will not shy away from exposing the shadow players and calling for accountability. Second, we will support states to advance comprehensive transitional justice, looking at all perpetrators and centered on victims. Without truth-telling, reconciliation, and accountability, trauma and grievances turn towards vengeance and renewed violence. Third, We will continue to support mediation, including through confidence-building measures grounded in human rights. Fourth, we will work to increase women's participation and leadership in peace processes. Despite the historic role that women played as peacemakers in Ireland, in Liberia, in the Philippines, and beyond, women are largely absent from negotiations on the DRC, Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. Fifth, We will work with grassroots organizations mobilizing for peace around the world across communities and divides. The vast majority of people everywhere want peace, and they need our support. Sixth, we will leverage human rights as an early warning tool. We will strengthen our investigative and analytical capacities to help identify tensions before they erupt in violence. Finally, we will continue pushing for accountability, a prerequisite for sustainable peace. I urge states to strengthen domestic accountability mechanisms and to give their full backing to the International Criminal Court. I also encourage states who have yet to do so to exercise available universal jurisdiction so that those accused of atrocity crimes face justice even when domestic courts are unable or unwilling to act. Mr. President, the tragedy of conflict has touched almost all our lives. The human cost echoes down the generations, and every war has devastating impact on our health and our environment. But today, we face other threats to our rights that are unfamiliar, even unprecedented. The relationship between digital tools like AI and our human nature, our human agency, will be a priority for the years ahead. The need for AI governance is widely acknowledged, but where is the action? Delay only benefits the massive tech companies, their owners and enablers, a handful of men has almost unlimited power over AI, which we are repeatedly told has unimaginable computing capacity. They talk about freedom, but on closer inspection, this turns out to be little more than the freedom to exploit our data. There has been some recent progress at the international level. including the establishment of the global dialogue on AI and the independent international scientific panel on AI. And I welcome landmark steps on platform accountability by the European Commission and AI governance by the Republic of Korea, among others. However, I share the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity. AI that escapes its testing environment or blackmails developers to prevent itself from being turned off is AI that is too powerful. I'm calling here today for an all-out effort to put cast iron guarantees in place around the safety and security of AI before it is too late. I will be writing to AI companies in the coming days to urge them to take the steps that are within their control to reduce risks now. At a minimum, we need countries hosting AI and those involved in its supply chains to come together around agreed red lines. We need independent verification and much stronger collaboration on security within the industry. We also need to consider the human rights impacts of AI on employment practices, on fundamental principles of democracy, and on our environment. Little wonder people are rejecting AI and even refusing to use it, and governments and companies need to listen to that. Human rights offer a way to navigate these difficult issues. And I would put a particular emphasis on looking for solutions together with all those who are calling for technology that serves humanity rather than the other way around.

President, when I hear about technology leading to extraordinary progress and prosperity, I can't help asking, Where will that prosperity come from if we don't change the way we treat our planet? From scorched, exhausted, depleted land? Technology is not a magic wand. Its development needs to be matched by action on the other challenges that we face. Take the climate crisis, for instance. The massive hidden cost of fossil fuels to our health, our economies and our environment far exceeds what appears on our energy bills. The International Monetary Fund puts those costs at some $6.7 trillion a year, nearly 6% of global GDP. Heat waves in Europe have killed an estimated 35,000 people this summer. But the true toll is likely to be much higher. And none of this is inevitable. We must keep our focus on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as set out in the Paris Agreement by ensuring that the current overshoot is as small and as short as possible. We need to pursue investment in resilience, adaptation and early warning based on equity and solidarity. These are human rights imperatives if we are to safeguard people from disasters like the recent collapse of the glacier in Nepal and China. In Switzerland, an advanced early warning system made it possible to evacuate the entire village of Blatten before it was buried last year. Unfortunately, today's investments and innovations seem to be driven largely by profit, regardless of the costs. And these business models are squeezing our planet and its people past breaking point.

This concentration of wealth and power in one small corner of humanity is creating tensions that undermine both stability and sustainability. Yet, rather than urgently addressing these imbalances, some leaders are exploiting them. Imposing crippling tariffs on countries already under severe stress from the climate crisis, debt burdens, and inequitable tax rules weakens their political autonomy and their ability to fight poverty. With less than four years left to deliver on the 2030 agenda, only 36% of its targets are making progress, and 15% have gone into reverse. Across the world, growing numbers of people cannot afford secure housing or a healthy diet. When we celebrate economic growth, let's be honest about where this growth goes. The International Labour Organization estimates that over the past two decades it has benefited owners and investors more than workers. In several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, for example, economic growth is not matched by reductions in poverty. These injustices are putting the social contract under increasing strain. In many countries, including Albania, Argentina, India, Indonesia and Tunisia, anger over inequality, unbearable living costs, lack of basic services, unemployment and corruption has boiled over into the streets. Conversely, economies that are grounded in human rights bring stability, opportunity, and trust. They foster transparent institutions, fair taxation, and effective public spending. At a time of dwindling foreign aid, they can be instrumental in mobilizing domestic resources. Our work in Kenya illustrates this clearly. By supporting the authorities to include communities in economic decisions, we have helped address concerns that were fueling public discontent. We are working with governments in Cambodia, Iraq, Liberia, South Africa, and beyond to fight corruption, protect the rights of workers, and build economies that work for everyone. And I will continue in the coming years to push for the human rights economy to become a universal model. Human rights need to underpin all development efforts if they are to be truly sustainable. We will work to ensure that they are at the heart of global policy, including the UN Tax Convention, the International Panel on Equality, the Loss and Damage Fund, and the emerging vision for sustainable development beyond 2030. Mr. President, I will also focus on civic space and on people's right to peaceful protest, free expression, and information. These rights build trust between people and their governments. They are a bridge between frustration and dialogue, between aspirations and change. Yet, instead of engaging with the legitimate concerns of their people, many states are resorting to repression. In Iran, The authorities are using the war as a pretext to pursue even more brutal oppression. Since March 2026, 59 people have been executed on national security related charges, more than the number put to death on the same charges in the whole of 2025. Business closures linked to compulsory hijab requirements are also troubling. In Pakistan, the authorities have used excessive lethal force and arbitrary detention to quell protests. The recent protests in India showed the best response is dialogue with youth leaders, not the excessive use of force. In Nicaragua, the authorities have closed down opposition political parties. In the Russian Federation, the authorities have continued to suppress the opposition and bar parties from participating in elections. Restrictions on civic space and media freedoms are deepening from Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Russian Federation to Tunisia and Uganda. And I deplore the prohibition of demonstrations across Afghanistan by the de facto authorities. Digital surveillance is becoming an increasingly powerful tool of repression in several countries, including Angola, Myanmar and Serbia. Ahead of elections in Bosnia, I urge political leaders to counter hate speech and discrimination and to end the glorification of war criminals. In Venezuela, all arbitrarily detained people need to be released, and my team granted immediate access to all places of detention. I welcome Mexico's adoption of a protocol to investigate crimes committed against human rights defenders. Mr. President, a tide of systemic discrimination is sweeping around the world. Across regions, femicide is an alarming trend. In recent weeks, for example, seven women were reportedly killed by current or former partners in Italy, and nine women were reportedly killed in Cameroon. Huge data gaps make this crime particularly difficult to track. Legislation and prosecution are crucial, but we also need to address root causes. discrimination, inequality and gender stereotypes. Studies show higher rates of femicide and other violence against women are linked to broader social tensions and an increased likelihood of violent conflict. In Libya, I hope the new political agreement will create the momentum to adopt the law on violence against women, which has been pending for years. I again call on the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to rescind their appalling decrees and policies effectively criminalizing the presence of women and girls in public life. Their system of severe discrimination and oppression, now in its sixth year, is nothing short of gender-based apartheid. LGBTIQ+ people are facing growing threats. In Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal, authorities have arrested people under discriminatory laws. And Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States are adopting or considering restrictions on the equal rights of transgender people. Racism is one of society's deepest ills. Hard-won gains for people of African descent are deliberately being undermined in some countries, including cuts to anti-discrimination programs and attempts to distort history. Politicians, traditional and social media amplify isolated incidents to portray migrants, refugees, Muslims, marginalized racial and ethnic groups, and minorities as a collective threat. In some countries, such depictions have led to attacks against entire communities. I urge the United States to halt the return of people to places where they could suffer irreparable harm, including Haiti, and to ensure due process for all removals to third countries. Four more people have died in U.S. immigration custody since my last update to this Council, for a total of 23 deaths in 2016 alone. There needs to be accountability for these deaths. I am concerned that plans to equip immigration agents with electric shock gloves will increase the violence associated with their operations. In China, tightening restrictions on the rights of the Tibetan people, including their freedom of religion, are deeply troubling, and I appeal for an urgent U-turn on these policies. But in some places where human rights are under serious strain, people are demonstrating their agency and power by marching, documenting abuses, lobbying parliamentarians, and building solidarity networks. In South Africa, civil society pressure contributed to gender-based violence and femicide being declared a national disaster in November 2025. These are acts of humanity, and I commend them. Mr. President, our action in the years ahead will be inspired by these movements, which leverage human rights to navigate between extremes. At the national and the local level, this means working closely with marginalized communities. We will stand in solidarity with them, elevate their voices, and support their efforts. The Global Alliance for Human Rights will be our entry point to increase engagement not only with states, but with civil society and others. We will also increase our outreach to excluded or marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTIQ+ people, religious minorities, stateless and undocumented people, the unhoused, street children, migrants and refugees. Because standing up for each other is what human rights are for. We will strengthen our work with governments on justice systems, including incarceration practices. Prisons are too often used as a dumping ground for people who don't fit in and a substitute for addressing the root causes of social problems. They may also become hotbeds of radicalization and extremism. I remain deeply concerned by the situation in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including in detention facilities, and I again urge the authorities to review national security and counter-terrorism legislation, strengthen the protection of minorities, and investigate allegations of human rights violations, including torture. I call on them to follow up on the recommendations made by my office and UN human rights mechanisms. I also encourage full implementation of the National Action Plan for Human Rights, which is welcome. We will strengthen our efforts around the world to end the use of the death penalty, which overwhelmingly targets minorities, people living in poverty, and dissenting voices. We will continue to call out the sharp rise in executions in a small number of states. We will build on our work with governments to address militarized approaches to security and law enforcement that are deeply counterproductive. I know many of you are uncomfortable with what is done in the name of protecting national security. These outdated practices can be an albatross around the neck of government. How do you tame the beast? Again, that's what human rights are for. In Bangladesh, we have been calling for a strengthened and independent national institution that has oversight of security forces. We will continue our work with governments around the world, including in Central Asia, to advance inclusive social and economic policies that deliver for everyone. President, at the global level,

we will be relentless in working to strengthen international law and the human rights ecosystem that benefits us all. It's clear that some powers want to destroy all efforts at multilateral cooperation and replace them with transactional deal-making. They are undermining global cooperation on climate, on health, on women's reproductive rights and beyond. If you want to know where this leads, look at the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The weakening of global health systems and reduced funding has made it worse, and it continues to pose a threat across borders. Despite all this, global accountability still exists. Ask Bosnians, ask Filipinos, ask Chileans. This is a long-term project and our work documenting abuses is essential to it.

Universality is a plank of accountability. Equal standards for all are essential. That is the basis of our tried and tested methodology to monitor and report on human rights violations and abuses and our engagement with all countries. Universality is fundamental to the treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders. The upcoming Secretary General's report on the treaty body system will show that this crucial work is endangered by chronic underfunding and a liquidity crisis, and I call for your support. In the next four years, I intend to bring proposals for greater rationalization, innovation and creativity to the human rights ecosystem through continuous improvement, building on our own reform efforts and other initiatives as part of the UN80 process. Mr. President, power dynamics at the global and national level have changed, and we are changing in response. The Global Alliance for Human Rights, the first of its kind, will be a place where everyone working for human rights makes common cause and stands up to the anti-rights onslaught. governments, civil society, philanthropists, the corporate sector, academia, young people, artists, cities, local government, and many others will be able to co-create solutions to the human rights challenges that we face. The alliance will showcase how human rights connect people through facts, compassion, and the law. In its initial phase, the Global Alliance will aim to put human rights education into every classroom, promote digital innovation and business practices with a human face, and help cities all over the world to deliver for their residents. And this is just the beginning. I urge you to join and play a full part. What drives us is the belief that human rights will help people of all our societies to realize their hopes and aspirations in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirmed that everyone everywhere is born free and equal in dignity and rights. This means holding up a mirror to those in power, challenging the status quo, and pushing the boundaries. Robust debate, critical thinking, differences and disagreements are part of the age-old struggle for human rights. The only way to advance is through honest discussion, genuine engagement, and working together. We will always talk to everyone, and we will never give up on anyone. Human rights are carriers of hope. They are a compass in turbulent times, and they offer concrete solutions to our challenges. And I look forward to continuing this important work with you. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. High Commissioner for Human Rights. We will now take a short technical break before holding the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. They start by seeing my face on the screen. I think everybody can start settling down. We have a very tight schedule, so I would encourage all colleagues to settle down and we shall begin with the session. Even the Indonesian delegation is not sitting down. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, Let us now begin with the interactive dialogue on the report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, pursuant to Council Resolution 60/13. It is also my honor to welcome the distinguished members of the fact-finding mission for the Sudan, Mr. Mohamed Chande Othman, Ms. Joy Ngozi Ezilo, and Ms. Mona Rishwani. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I know many of you are excited to meet friends and colleagues after the summer break and all, but we do really need a bit of silence in the room. So can I ask colleagues to, you are welcome to continue your conversation, but maybe lower your voice a bit so the substantive part of our gathering can take place and the social side can take place maybe elsewhere or with a lower volume. Thanks very much. And I now give the floor to Mr. Chande Othman for the introductory remarks. And the floor is yours, sir. Thank you.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Our report, "Fueling Sudan's Conflict: Weapons, Fighters, and External Support Networks," highlights two key, closely connected findings. First, how weapons technology, particularly long-range drones, has redefined the battlefields. Second, how these advanced military capabilities are being sustained through external support. including weapons, technology, logistics, training, and personnel. Mr. President, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces are increasingly using long-range drones, resulting in attacks now reaching far beyond traditional front lines and with devastating consequences for civilians. Civilians have been harmed in their homes, schools, hospitals, markets, displacement sites and places of refuge, and while also attending weddings, funerals and other community gatherings. The impact of these drones cannot be measured by counting civilian casualties alone, but must be understood through the services lost, the infrastructure destroyed, and the lasting disruption to daily life. In July, this Council requested us to urgently investigate the situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, and to update you during this session. That investigation is ongoing. Repeated RSF drone attacks affected electricity, fuel, and other key infrastructure that civilians depended on for water, healthcare, and transport. These attacks underscore that risks remain acute as civilians continue to face repeated aerial threat, displacement, and pressure on already strained essential services in a city under partial siege. In Kallogi, South Kordofan, Successive RSF drone strikes on a kindergarten and a hospital harmed not only those caught in the initial attacks, but also those trying to assist the wounded. As a result, 114 were killed, including 60 children. In Dayan, East Darfur, Sudanese Armed Forces strikes rendered Al-Dayan Teaching Hospital nonfunctional, killing at least 70 people and depriving more than 2 million people of access to critical health services. In Nyabol, Blue Nile State, Sudanese Armed Forces drones attacks struck the main market and nearby water infrastructure, causing extensive damage to shops and markets. Women and children continue to bear a heavy burden. They are repeatedly among the dead and injured. The attacks often deepen existing inequalities and barriers to essential services. In Olobaid, the Benatini Hospital suspended operations after a nearby drone strike by RSF damaged operating theatres and the pharmacy. For children, the destruction of schools, health facilities, and other civilian infrastructure affects not only their safety today, but also their future development and well-being. Based on the evidence gathered, we found reasonable grounds to believe that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces committed serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, which may amount to war crimes. The report also examined how this conflict is being fueled through external interference and material support. We found reasonable grounds to believe The transnational network facilitated RSF military operations, linking individuals and entities in the United Arab Emirates, Chad, southeastern Libya, and Puntland in Somalia. Using air, land, and sea routes, the network supplied weapons, drone-related equipment, military materiel, logistical assistance, and personnel to Nyala and other RSF-held areas in Sudan. The evidence also indicates the former Colombian military personnel were recruited, trained, and deployed to support the RSF. They played an integral role in RSF drones operations, operating and maintaining drone systems, and training personnel, including before and during the takeover of El Fasher, where we had documented conduct bearing the hallmarks of genocide. Foreign fighters from South Sudan, Chad and Ethiopia have also been identified. Our investigation into external support to SAAF that may contribute to violations in human rights and IHL is at its initial phase, and we will update the Council on this as our work progresses. States have a responsibility not only to refrain from contributing to violations, but also take reasonable measures to prevent them where there is a clear and foreseeable risk. Given the established human rights and IHL violations in Sudan, many of which amount to international crimes, continued support raises serious concerns and may extend responsibility beyond those who directly commit the abuses to those who knowingly facilitate or enable them. Mr. President, our work to establish facts, circumstances, and root causes of the conflict continues. We are also deeply concerned by the deteriorating environment for documentation and accountability. Survivors, witnesses, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders continue to face intimidation and harassment by all warring parties inside and outside the country, including for cooperating with this mission. These reprisals must end. Many people who spoke to us did so at considerable personal risk. Their courage places a responsibility on the international community not only to document violations, but also to act. Our recommendations include the following: This senseless war must end. The parties must comply fully with international human rights and humanitarian law and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects. States must halt military support emanating from their territory that risks fueling violations, and effectively investigate the individuals and entities under their jurisdiction that illicitly support the parties to the conflict. The Darfur arms embargo must be enforced, and its extension across Sudan should be supported. Evidence must be preserved and made available to independent investigative and judicial bodies. Victims and witnesses must be protected. Survivors must receive immediate assistance and access to effective remedies and reparation. Importantly, accountability efforts must extend across the full chain of responsibility, including those who commit, order, finance, supply, or otherwise facilitate international crimes. My colleagues, Monarish Mawi and Joe Iziello, will be pleased to answer your questions. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. In accordance with our practice, we will begin by giving the floor to the delegation of the concerned country. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sudan. You have a total of five minutes.

Thank you, President. It is my honor to address this august body, the Human Rights Council, as chair of the Fact-Finding Commission of Violations of International Human Rights and International Law. We recently issued our fifth report as a commission, and I can also share with you some actions that have been taken in order to ensure justice and accountability, particularly justice for the victims of the violations that we've identified and to combat impunity, given the atrocities and violations that have been perpetrated since the terrorist militia-led rebellion began. Our participation takes place against the backdrop of our exclusive role in addressing this Human Rights Council. And I reiterate our response and our view vis-a-vis the Human Rights Council resolution that established the fact-finding mission. There have been several reports published by various different international organizations as we gather at this Human Rights Council, including United Nations mechanisms, which confirm that in Sudan, what we are seeing unfold is a proxy war. And this was indeed said by the High Commissioner. the channelling of support to rebel militia by their sponsors, particularly the United Arab Emirates, is the main reason for the ongoing conflict and for the fact that the war continues and for its spread. We welcome the fact that the sponsors of this rebel militia have been clearly named. That's an important first step, but immediate measures need to be taken, particularly against the United Arab Emirates, to put an immediate end to their support and their sponsorship of these rebel groups and to put an end, via that channel, to violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which is being pursued because of this continued sponsorship of this rebel militia. This sponsorship includes the shipment of arms to respond to requests from the rebel militia. We want our country to move forward, President. We want our country to be one in which victims enjoy justice. We want there to be a dialogue between Sudanese themselves, and that is a prevailing wish within the country. And that was a point made by the Council, the Provisional Sovereignty Council, the President thereof. At a recent meeting, the Council called for such a dialogue, although there is a requirement for the necessary immunities to be in place, which the Council has sworn to uphold in order to ensure that such a dialogue can take place in a free and transparent setting. The African Union gave its positive assent to this call by the Sovereignty Council, as did the League of Arab States. Justice and peace go hand in hand. At the level of the work of the National Commission, the commission that I head up, a project has been rolled out in order to allow victims and witnesses to have access to information and to contribute to reports. The Sudanese Armed Forces, the SAF, are working hard to restore security and stability. The National Investigation Commission has documented violations. of national law and international law and rights. 153 complaints have been registered by our body, and there have been a further several of those reports concern the armed forces, and they do not enjoy impunity. I do wish to make that abundantly clear. Those reports are followed up on where they cite the Sudanese armed forces. Several investigations have been completed, and some 22,000 criminal investigations have begun of the 153,000 complaints that have been submitted to our body. So we are following up rigorously on these complaints that we're receiving. These complaints cover issues such as rape, enforced disappearance, with several hundred or several thousand such cases which are being investigated by the Commission. We're also investigating cases of assassination and murder, of deliberate maiming, mutilation and injury. And so, as you can see, we are very busy. We're not sitting idly by in response to these complaints and the sheer scale of the horror. There's recently been a historic ruling by the courts in the case of the murder of the governor of Wiliya in West Darfur. Several persons were prosecuted for their involvement in that case. The judicial authorities are currently collecting the evidence and have been working hard to protect witnesses and victims. We call upon the Human Rights Council and the relevant United Nations mechanisms to adopt a complementary approach to this drive to ensure that trials are duly prosecuted in Sudan, rather than something opposed to the work of our judiciary, which, as I have just described, is doing its best to shed light on these issues and bring justice to bear. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I now invite interested delegations to ask questions to the presenters and to make comments on their statements. The speaking time is one minute, 30 seconds for all. I would like to recall that the duration of the interactive dialogue is one hour and 30 minutes. The list of speakers is now closed. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.

President, the Nordic and Baltic countries thank the FFM for its report. The mission plays a critical role in documenting violations and abuses, preserving evidence and laying the groundwork for accountability. Renewal of its mandate and its access to Sudan remain essential. The conflict in Sudan continues to inflict devastating suffering on civilians and exacerbate humanitarian needs. The FFM finds that external support is sustaining military operations and enhancing the capabilities of the parties to the conflict. We therefore call for an immediate end to external financing and support that enables the continuation of the conflict. The mission documented attacks affecting civilians, hospitals, humanitarian workers, schools, markets and displacement sites, including attacks that may amount to war crimes. Reports of ethnically motivated violence, arbitrary detention, torture and starvation as a method of warfare are alarming. Of particular concern are reports of widespread and systematic sexual violence against women and girls. We strongly urge all parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire, protect civilians and humanitarian workers, and comply with international humanitarian rights law and IHL. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. In conclusion, there can be no sustainable peace in Sudan without accountability. What actions are needed to end sexual and gender-based violence as a method of warfare and ensure accountability? I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Thank you, President. The EU thanks the members of the FFM for the report. Your findings point to serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. We are particularly appalled by the systematic conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. The EU condemns in the strongest terms the targeting of civilians, humanitarian personnel and critical infrastructure, aggravated through the increasing use of deadly drone strikes. Accountability is essential. The EU reiterates its call on all parties to ensure unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country in accordance with IHL. At the Sudan Conference in Berlin, the EU and its Member States pledged over 800 million euro in humanitarian aid. The EU also calls on the warring parties to engage meaningfully in efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We call on all states and external actors to refrain from actions that sustain and fuel the conflict, and to cease any support to the parties to the conflicts. We recall your recommendation to extend the arms embargo to the whole country and will continue to advocate for expanding the mandate of the ICC. We support the renewal of the mandate of the FFM with the ultimate goal to provide justice to the Sudanese people and break the cycle of impunity. Thank you so much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. President, I deliver this statement on behalf of all members of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan. The Coalition welcomes the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission and its tireless efforts to document the atrocities, crimes, conflict-related sexual violence, and other grave violations committed across Sudan. We are deeply alarmed by the FFM's findings on the escalating impact of drone warfare on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We are seeing drone strikes intensify and prolong the conflict, causing devastating harm to civilian populations and locations critical to civilian survival. All parties must comply with the international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, including humanitarians, allow safe and voluntary movement of civilians, and ensure safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access. We also note with concern the FFM's findings on the continued illegal flow of weapons and external support that sustains this conflict. This must stop. We call on all states to cease support to the warring parties, upholding sanctions obligations and support efforts to end impunity and ensure accountability, without which there can be no lasting peace. The coalition reiterates its commitment to preventing atrocities, protecting civilians, supporting a sustainable Sudanese-led peace, and supporting the fact-finding mission's work. Its independent reporting remains essential for both protection and accountability. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the Group of African States.

Thank you, Mr. President. The African Group reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the people of Sudan at this difficult time. The group emphasizes its continued commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and political unity of Sudan. We recall the importance of the principles of complementarity, subsidiarity, and African solutions for the African problems. The group welcomes the regional mediation efforts and the initiative to solve the crisis in Sudan. We also welcome all supporting efforts to the negotiations by regional and international actors. We reaffirm the need for a single coordinated international effort to resolve the crisis in Sudan under the auspices of the AU, together with IGAD, with the support of UN, League of Arab States and key international partners, and based on the AU roadmap for the resolution of the Sudan crisis. We strongly condemn any external interference in Sudan, which is fueling the Sudanese conflict in flagrant violation of all relevant African Union PCS and communiques and the UNHRC resolution. We urge parties to implement Jeddah Agreement to ensure protection of civilian and humanitarian aid delivery in Sudan. We also urge all Sudanese parties to continue the dialogue towards amicable consensual solutions to the political impasse in Sudan and lead the country to smooth and peaceful transition to democracy. We urge the international community to provide long-term support to Sudan. The group appreciates the cooperation of the government of Sudan with the OHCHR and the UN Disarmament Expert and urge it to continue that cooperation. We urge OHCHR to continue its technical assistance to Sudan. The group believes that the states have the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights. The consent of the concerned country remains a crucial element for the success of the mission of the mandate of any mechanism established by HRC or expansion of existing mandate. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Mr. President, Egypt is following the deterioration of human rights and the violations the civilians are experiencing. at the hand of the Rapid Support Services, RSS. And despite all the condemnations by this Council, the RSS is still committing atrocities. And the identity of the aggressor has now become undoubtedly known. And it is no longer possible to put on an equal footing the Sudanese state and its national institutions and insurgent militia. Egypt stresses that the preservation of the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan and its national institutions is inevitable in order to restore peace and security, and it condemns all forms of foreign intervention in the Sudan. And we call upon the intensification of regional and international efforts to put an end to the war and to provide safe and the sustainable access to humanitarian aid and the protection of the civilians and to reach a comprehensive political settlement that preserves the state and to meet the aspirations of its people. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Underlines the statements of the EU and the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan and thanks the fact-finding mission for its report. Ireland is alarmed by the ongoing widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Sudan. We strongly condemn the escalating use of indiscriminate drone strikes against civilians, humanitarian personnel and critical infrastructure. All the parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law, taking all necessary steps to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel, and to facilitate rapid, safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access. We are particularly concerned by the continued widespread and systematic perpetration of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. There must be an end to the culture of impunity for these heinous crimes. We also call on all states and external actors to refrain from harmful external interference and to cease arming, financing, and enabling the conflict. Ireland reiterates its full support for the fact-finding mission and for the renewal of your mandate. There must be accountability and justice for the people of Sudan, and your work remains vital in this context. Members of the fact-finding mission, what immediate and concrete steps can the international community take to ensure accountability for drone strike attacks on civilians, particularly in light of your finding that the conduct of some operations amounted to war crimes? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Mr. President, we reaffirm our steadfast position in the preservation of the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Sudan and the right of its people to live in dignity and peace. And we view with concern the escalation of the situation. We praise the regional and international efforts in order to put an end to the war. conflict in Sudan. We stress the importance of a widespread dialogue that is politically owned by the Sudan. We condemn all violations under armed conflict in the Sudan, and we stress the importance of abiding by the IHL that prohibits targeting civilians or the civilian infrastructure, and to put an end to foreign interference interference in the internal affairs of the country, which has aggravated the suffering of the Sudanese people. We have been providing, since the beginning, all forms of support to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. We have provided more than 18 million riyal to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and to help with the measures related to housing and putting an end to displacement, water, sanitary drainage and others. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Mr. President, the fact-finding missions report paints a devastating picture of the human costs of Sudan's conflict. Communities shattered, millions displaced, and civilians trapped in a cycle of violence. The report makes clear that this conflict is not sustained by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces alone. The continued illegal supply of weapons is enabling the atrocities, such as those in Al-Fashir, prolonging suffering and undermining prospects for peace. Those who continue to provide such support bear direct responsibility for sustaining the conflict. We call on all states and entities to cease support for the warring parties and use their influence to protect civilians, secure humanitarian access, and to help end this devastating conflict. Mr. President, the report also underlines the urgent need for accountability. Credible, independent evidence is essential for the justice that victims and survivors deserve. The fact-finding mission lays the groundwork for accountability and ensures the experiences of victims and survivors are documented and recognized. Its mandate must be renewed so that its vital work can continue. We particularly welcome the mission's positive cooperation with the African Union's fact-finding mission and encourage this partnership to deepen. The people of Sudan deserve more than this Council's attention. They deserve accountability, justice, and lasting peace. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

In the name of God Almighty, Mr. President, we would like to thank the fact-finding mission for its briefing before this esteemed Council. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation is deplorable as a result of the continuation of conflict and the protracted displacement, as well as the increase in humanitarian needs. The means to confront that is to stress the importance of respecting the IHL and the international human rights law and to protect civilians and the civilian infrastructure, especially hospitals, schools, and markets. We call on the importance of pursuing efforts in order to de-escalate tensions and to provide the necessary means for dialogue in order to restore peace, security, and stability in the Sudan. In conclusion, we stress the importance of respecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Sudan and to reach a political solution that puts and to the bloodshed, and to preserve the state's institution, and to meet the aspirations of the brotherly people of the Sudan. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. President, Sierra Leone aligns with the statements of the African Group and thanks the FFM for its report and for its continued efforts to shed light on the human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan. Seylon welcomes the efforts of the African Union and regional partners and encourages greater coordination among existing initiatives to achieve a sustainable political settlement. We remain deeply concerned by the profound human suffering resulting from the ongoing conflict. In particular, we are alarmed by the impact of hostilities on civilians, including women and children, and on essential infrastructure. We emphasize the importance of all parties fully respecting international humanitarian and human rights law and taking all feasible measures to protect civilians. We are also concerned by the increasing use of advanced drone capabilities and the ongoing geographical scope of the military operations. SALON notes the mission's findings regarding external support and transfer of weapons, equipment, technology, and other forms of military assistance. We encourage all states and relevant actors to exercise the utmost responsibility in this regard, ensuring that their actions are consistent with the obligations under international law and do not contribute to further suffering. We call on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access, protect civilians, and participate constructively in an inclusive, Sudanese and African-led political process to end the war. And I thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement. Netherlands also would like to echo the words of Sweden and the UK when it comes to the need to see support by external actors, and in particular those providing military technology, which has a devastating effect on hospitals, markets, schools, and other public areas. This compounds the alarming rise in humanitarian needs. Millions of people are facing acute food insecurity, displacement, and the collapse of basic services. The Netherlands is appalled by the extent and severity of human rights violations in Sudan, as documented by the Fact-Finding Mission. Civilians are subject to relentless violence. Sexual and gender-based violence is rampant. Humanitarian workers must be granted safe and unhindered access, and international humanitarian law must be fully respected by all parties. Deliberate attacks on civilian targets are unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated. Accountability remains the basis for justice and sustainable peace. Not only those that are direct perpetrators, but also those that are enablers in the continuation of this conflict must be held accountable. Members of the fact-finding mission, in accordance with the questions posed by the EU, how can we further support to ensure your work to ensure that the experience of women and girls are fully reflected in your findings? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. President. We define Sudan's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty and independence as one of the basic tenets of our principled approach to the region in Africa. The developments in Sudan are of great concern for us. The conflict is not only threatening the unity and social fabric of the country, but also poses a risk for regional stability. From our perspective, the core issue in Sudan should not be treated as a matter of balancing between as opposed equals. In every instance that the RSF and its affiliates are treated as equals, it reinforces the belief that they can continue their violence with impunity. The legitimate procurement of defence equipment by the SAF cannot reasonably be placed on the same footing as the illicit supply of weapons to the RSF. The Sudanese Government has a right to procure appropriate defence equipment for the purpose of safeguarding Sudan's sovereignty and protecting its people. Weakening and delegitimizing state institutions in the country without any viable options, only the potential for sustained peace and order. The most effective way to end the conflict is through dialogue and diplomacy. We would like to once again stress that Turkey is a supporter of the Sudanese people and their legitimate representatives. Our strong stance with Sudan and Sudanese people will continue. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, we associate ourselves with the statements delivered by the groups to which we belong, and we express full solidarity with the brotherly state of Sudan in its suffering. We commend all diplomatic initiatives that aim to finding a solution that preserves the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Sudan. We condemn the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and we condemn all violations of the IHL and the international human rights law. And we call upon the international community to intensify all forms of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of the Sudan. We stress the importance that the OHCHR continue the provision of technical support as well as capacity building in the field of human rights. In conclusion, we stress the importance of consulting with the state concerned before establishing a new mandate or expanding an existing one. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.

Thank you, Mr. President. Eritrea maintains its principled rejection of country-specific, unconsented mandates. Sudan's competent judicial authorities.

Including the National Commission for Investigation, are actively fulfilling their mandate to ensure accountability and victim redress. Moreover, three UN human rights mechanisms already operate in Sudan with the consent and cooperation of the government.

We caution against attempts to equate the Sudanese armed.

Forces fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect the state with rebel militias responsible for widespread atrocities.

Such false equivalences, combined with external interference and the continued.

Illicit flow of arms from foreign sponsors, only serve to prolong the conflict and exacerbate human suffering.

A durable solution cannot be achieved through external dictation or punitive measures.

Peace requires an inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process that respects sovereignty and the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

We welcome the government's efforts to facilitate humanitarian assistance and initial steps toward an inclusive national dialogue.

The international community should support genuine peace efforts, unhindered humanitarian assistance, and Sudanese-led initiatives to end hostilities and restore stability.

I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to a distinguished representative of South Sudan.

Mr. President, South Sudan aligns itself with the African Group statement and takes note of the report of the fact-finding mission and the conclusions and recommendations contained therein. As a neighboring country with deep historical, social, cultural, and economic ties to Sudan, South Sudan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people of Sudan at this difficult time, and it stands ready to work with regional and international partners in support of all whole mediation initiative aimed at ending the conflict and restoring lasting peace and security in Sudan. We call upon all Sudanese parties to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians, ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, and continue the dialogue towards amicable, consensual solution to the political impasse with the ultimate goal of leading the country towards a and peaceful transition to democracy. South Sudan reiterates its steadfast support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and urge all external actors to refrain from actions that prolong the conflict in Sudan. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Somalia.

Mr. President, Somalia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African Group. Somalia remains deeply concerned by the continuing conflict in Sudan and the immense suffering inflicted upon the Sudanese people, particularly women, children, and displaced communities. We express our firm solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Sudan during this very difficult period. Somalia strongly condemns the grave violations committed by the RSF, particularly attacks civilians and calls for their immediate secession and accountability in accordance with international law. We also condemn all forms of foreign interference and external support that fuel the conflict and prolong civilian suffering. As always, in terms of war and conflict, it is the vulnerable integrity. We support the efforts of the African Union and IGAD and call for an immediate secession of hostilities and the president.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. President, the UAE underscores the importance of the work.

Involved in the civil war in Sudan and that it has.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. We once again gather to discuss the situation in the brotherly state of Sudan against a very glaring fact titled that the external interventions are the most daring problem against the Sudan and the Sudanese people. There are external parties that are responsible for the flow of mercenaries and foreign fighters and arms that are acting without shame. The political settlement that we aspire will evade our hands without addressing this foreign.

Связи как отмечается миссии хотел бы подчеркнуть что колумбия не поддерживает не поощряет не одобряет участие своих граждан в вооруженном конфликте и продолжит делать все возможное.

Для того чтобы это предотвратить как уже была возможность в этом убедиться рабочая группа.

По наемникам испытала во время своего посещения колумбию.

Verne, as a working group, I'm going to have to have a visit in Colombia. We're going to have to have a visit in Colombia. We're going to be in control of the company, which is a very new service, the Russian. We're going to be in control of the company, which is very new service, the Russian. We're going to be in control, and the regime, the SB, the new service, the Russian. We're going to be in control, the Russian. We're going to be in control, the Russian.

Our Government condemns conflict-related sexual violence, which is used by the Rapid Support Forces as a strategy for humiliating, punishing, exercising control, spreading fear and displacing women and their relatives. We also encourage the Sudanese judiciary to find and punish all the perpetrators and accomplices of sexual violence against women and girls. Furthermore, Mali is alarmed by reports of intensifying attacks against civilian infrastructure and attacks against humanitarian conflicts, travelling to help people affected by the conflict. My delegation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and political unity of Sudan. And we would like to express our solidarity to the government and the people of Sudan, and we encourage them to implement the Jeddah Accords. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Thank you, Mr. President. Uganda takes note of the report..

appui aux initiatives régionales et conduites par l'Afrique, singulièrement les efforts de l'Union africaine et de l'IGAD, qui ont pour objectif de trouver une solution durable. A cet égard, nous saluons la déclaration du gouvernement de son intention d'inviter les partis politiques et autres entités soudanaises à un dialogue conduit par le Soudan, inclusif, pour un règlement durable. La communauté internationale doit soutenir ces efforts tout en renforçant l'assistance humanitaire à la population touchée. La Tanzanie réitère son soutien indéfectible à la souveraineté, l'unité, l'indépendance et l'intégrité territoriale du Soudan. Je vous remercie.

Je passe la parole au Japon.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Nous remercions la Force d'intervention pour leur travail vital. Japan remains deeply concerned about the alleged severe violations of international human law and international human rights law across the Kordofan and Darfur regions, as well as Blue Nile in Sudan. We are particularly alarmed by the reports of increased drone attacks, which have repeatedly struck civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, medical facilities, and fuel and water infrastructure. These attacks disproportionately affect women and children, who are particularly vulnerable due to severely limited access to food and health care. Japan redates its calls on parties to the conflict to guarantee safe, voluntary passage and to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the country, particularly into and around El Obeid and other areas at risk of further escalation of the conflict. Japan, together with the countries concerned, has been urging the relevant parties in Sudan to respect human rights, de-escalate tensions, commit to an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and improve access to humanitarian assistance. Japan is committed to continuing these efforts toward improving the situation in Sudan. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Mr. President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement, and we thank the fact-finding mission for its report. The situation in the Sudan continues to be one of the gravest humanitarian emergencies in the world. Over 33 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Nearly 20 million face acute food insecurity. Behind these appalling numbers are millions of individual lives devastated by conflict. Germany expresses its deep concern regarding the grave situation in the Kordofans, Darfur and other parts of Sudan affected by continued fighting, including drone warfare against civilian infrastructure and humanitarian staff. We urge all involved parties to cease financial and logistical assistance to the warring parties. We look forward to the report of the Panel of Experts on the Sudan mandated by the Security Council. We must continue to work towards a peaceful solution of the conflict. That is why Germany hosted the International Conference on Sudan in April this year. The conference resulted in the Berlin Principles and created momentum for the civilian political process within the quintet format. As members of the core group, we call on all delegations to support the draft resolution seeking to extend the mandate of the fact-finding mission. members of the fact-finding missions, how can accountability for the flagrant atrocities be established? Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Australia is appalled by the findings of the latest report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. It paints a catastrophic picture of the conflict with dire consequences for civilians, particularly women and children. Escalating violence in Kordofan, including El Obeid, and the deteriorating human rights situation are of grave concern. Advanced drones used by the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces are enabling precision attacks, degrading essential services, and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Strikes on healthcare and maternity facilities are unacceptable. Women and girls face widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence.

We are deeply alarmed by continued reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity and a persistent disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Sudan.

Australia remains concerned by reports of external support for the conflict. Australia urges all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians, facilitate full, safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law. We ask what further steps can the international community take to protect Sudanese civilians.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the fact-finding mission for its report. We strongly condemn the ongoing violence, including ethically motivated killings, targeting of women and children, and increased use of sophisticated weapons. We are deeply concerned by mass level of displacement and extreme humanitarian needs. Slovenia has consistently emphasized the need to protect Sudanese civilians and effectively combat impunity. Ensuring accountability for international crimes, as well as violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, is essential to lay the foundations for justice and sustainable peace. In this light, the work of the FFM remains critical and we need to ensure it is adequately resourced for investigations and reporting. We urge all external actors to stop fueling this conflict. We call on all parties to the conflict to constructively engage in peace negotiations and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. A transition to a civilian-led government is paramount to achieving peace in Sudan. Esteemed members of the FFM, what concrete steps can the international community further take to support efforts to ensure justice and accountability in Sudan? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Thank you, President. We have taken careful note of the content of the reports submitted for our consideration by the FFM. And I've also taken careful note of their conclusions. In particular, we're deeply concerned by the content of the report, which depicts an image of a conflict that has spread beyond an internal crisis. Iraq reiterates its full respect for the sovereignty of this brother country and our full respect for its independence and territorial integrity. We reject any attempts to undermine the security and stability of Sudan. We underscore that it's important to put an end to the violations of the rights of civilians. We need to put an immediate stop to human suffering and ensure that humanitarian aid can get through on an unhindered basis. IRWALC reiterates its support for dialogue as the sole means of resolving the differences at the heart of this dispute. We support all such attempts to bring about that dialogue and we reject any violence intended to hamper a peaceful process of national dialogue. Only such a peaceful process will allow us to restore security and stability and thus avoid the further spread of the crisis. Thank you very much indeed, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of North Macedonia.

Thank you, Mr. President. North Macedonia welcomes the report of the Fact-Finding Mission, which remains a critical mechanism for independently investigating and reporting on violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The latest report confirms the devastating impact of advanced weapons and sophisticated drone capabilities on civilians and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and sites hosting displaced persons. It is deeply alarming that more than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes alone between January and May this year. We condemn attacks that fail to distinguish between civilians and combatants, that inflict devastating and disproportionate harm on civilian population, including women and children. We are equally concerned by the continued reports of the widespread sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual slavery. Such acts are used as a weapon of war and demand urgent action and accountability. We also remain deeply worried by the documented attacks on civic space and human rights defenders by all parties to the conflict. Deeply alarmed by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, we call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and take all measures to protect civilians and prevent further violations and abuses, in particular against women and children. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you very much, President. My country reiterates its position, its unwavering position, that is, of support for the Republic of the Sudan and its people. Our priority is that of restoring stability in Sudan, putting an end to the conflict and to the concomitant suffering of our brother Sudanese people. And in all of that, we wish to preserve and uphold governmental institutions and ensure that we also uphold the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan. We affirm that the handling of the crisis in Sudan requires a political level operation that is sustained and led by the Sudanese themselves to respond to the aspirations of their people. President, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spearheaded efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan. The Jeddah Declaration was signed in 2023. The declaration enshrined respect for civilians, their defence and the protection of civilians, and it also called for aid to be able to get through on an unhindered basis and for international humanitarian and human rights law to be upheld at all times. These political efforts, led by Saudi Arabia, continue. We have announced our support in the vehicle of $145 million to support the humanitarian response in Sudan in 2026. To conclude, my country reiterates that we need to continue a political dialogue process that would allow Sudan to rebuild and forge a future based on security and stability. Thank you very much indeed, President.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Thank you, President. Switzerland thanks the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the updates provided to the HRC today. Two months after the urgent debate on El-Obeid, the situation remains unacceptable. The destruction by the warring parties of essential infrastructure, particularly the attacks by the Rapid Support Forces against water sources, have seriously hampered access to safe drinking water, whilst cholera is spreading amongst the civilian population, which has already been sorely tested. Women and girls, when they go out to look for water, are exposed to drone strikes during the day and to the potential of sexual violence at night. The human cost of this war is unacceptable and unsustainable. We call upon all the parties to the conflict to respect and uphold international human rights and humanitarian law in all circumstances. We also call upon all states to refrain from any transfer of arms to the warring parties, including the transfer of armed drones. And we support the extension of the Security Council embargo to the entirety of the Sudan. In the upcoming negotiations, Switzerland will support the renewal of the fact-finding missions mandate so that it can complete its work. This is essential for documenting violations and for tackling impunity. The work of the FFM is also vital for supporting procedures that have been lodged before the ICC and national jurisdictions. A question to the members of the FFM: to what, if any, extent did the urgent debate and growing international pressure have an influence on the behaviour of the parties to the conflict and on the situation on the ground? Thank you very much indeed.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

Thank you, Mr. President. Malta aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for its report and its indispensable work under extremely challenging circumstances. We remain deeply concerned by the continuing conflict in Sudan and its devastating impact on civilians. We are particularly alarmed by the escalation of hostilities in Kordofan, including attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the increased use of drones. Children across Sudan continue to bear the brunt of the war, and we are deeply alarmed by the grave violations committed against them. We are equally concerned by the FFM's documentation of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and other serious violations and abuses. Malta calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, protect civilians and civilian objects, including civilian infrastructure, and ensure rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access. We reiterate our call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and urge all parties to engage constructively towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict through an inclusive, Sudanese-led, civilian political process. Accountability remains essential to breaking the cycle of violence and impunity and ensuring justice for victims and survivors. Malta, therefore, reiterates its full support for the continued work of the fact-finding mission. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you very much indeed, President. We would like to thank the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission, the FFM, for the presentation of its report. We duly acknowledge its important documentation work and its important work for preserving evidence, which is vital in order to ensure that we can move towards justice and accountability. We are deeply troubled by the findings of the FFM, which depict mass murders, attacks on hospitals, and other indispensable essential infrastructure, which is vital for the survival of the civilian population. They also document abductions of women and children and ethnically based attacks, which bear all the hallmarks of genocide. We call upon the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, RSF, and their allied parties to proceed immediately to a sustainable and long-term cessation of hostilities, to respect and uphold international law, and to guarantee safe, unhindered, and rapid access of humanitarian aid. Victims, particularly victims of gender-based and sexual violence, need to have effective access to medical, psychosocial and legal services. We also need to ensure that the perpetrators of this violence are duly held accountable before the courts. We are afraid the pressing need to ramp up diplomatic efforts in order to ensure that headway is made swiftly towards an inclusive political solution led by the Sudanese themselves, with full buy-in and participation, full and effective and significant participation of the civilian population, first and foremost women. Thank you very much indeed, President.

Thank you. Distinguished representative colleagues, this was the last speaker we could accommodate. We shall now turn to the list of speakers for National Human Rights Institutions and non-governmental organizations. And I now give the floor to the representative of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project.

President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Human Rights Council and of the FFM, my thanks first and foremost to the FFM members for the report. As you have shown, 40 months after the start of the current conflict, the warring parties continue to show utter disregard for international law. And we have seen this via their attacks using drones, targeting hospitals, schools, and civilian gathering points and camps. They have also shown utter disregard for the Jeddah Declaration in their actions. As we have seen, In the call issued by almost 70 civil society organizations, there's a clear need to extend the FFM's mandate for a further two years. We also need to ensure that the FFM has adequate resources and expertise to be able to discharge its mandate. We call upon the Council to strengthen the FFM's capacity and that of the overall UN system to support accountability efforts and to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes. This should be part of a holistic approach spearheaded by the organization to atrocity prevention. The international community needs to reprioritize Sudan, first and foremost by supporting victims and civilians, including women and children, and by expanding the international response to include an expanded arms embargo and one that is properly upheld. All stakeholders need to bring pressure to bear on the warring parties and on external actors to ensure that the war comes to an end. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Committee for Justice.

Mr. President, the Committee for Justice welcomes the mission's report. Its finding requires this Council to confront a central reality. Those who support supply, weapons, drones, financing, logistics, and foreign personnel are helping to sustain Sudan's war. Where such support enables operations linked to serious violations, accountability must extend beyond those carrying out the attacks. For civilians, these external support networks translate into greater military capacity and greater exposure to attack. On 27 August, SaveJede documented a drone attack on civilians travelling in Omdurman, North Kordofan, killing eight and injuring dozens of civilians. The drone then returned and struck civilians again while they were evacuating and assisting the wounded. On 28 August, another drone attack by RSF struck a Dalange city market in South Kordofan, killing three civilians and injuring 14, including women and children. These incidents follow months of escalating drone warfare. By early July, Save Jim monitored at least 141 drone attacks in North Kordofan in 2026. The Council must act on the full chain of responsibility. States should halt military transfers where there is a clear, serious risk of human rights violations. We urge the Council to renew the mandate of the fact-finding mission and provide it with sufficient resources to trace these networks, preserve evidence, and complete its ill-obeyed inquiry. In line with the Banjul Declaration adopted in May 2026, we also call on the Council to strengthen complementarity and cooperation between the international and the African fact-finding missions on Sudan. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Legal Action Worldwide.

Thank you, Mr. President. The fact-finding mission's report confirms what Sudanese survivors and civil society have been documenting for years, and what Legal Action Worldwide found in its March report on the siege of El-Fasher. External arms transfers and military support are enabling atrocities in Sudan. Those transfers sustain sieges, supply the attacks on civilians, and make widespread sexual violence possible. Over more than three years, they have prolonged a war in which most vulnerable communities have been deliberately targeted in predominantly ethnicised attacks. Members of this council are in a position to interrupt that supply. We ask them to halt arms transfers to the warring parties and to enforce the Darfur arms embargo with the rigour that it has so far lacked. They must open investigations into the individuals, entities and networks whose military support is being used to commit violations in Sudan. Accountability is possible. In June, Legal Action Worldwide filed the first ever war crimes and crimes against humanity complaints against members of the RSF in Kenya. States with the means to act have options. What has been lacking is the will. What concrete measures will the mission take to ensure that its evidence of external support is used to pursue accountability, including for those supplying arms? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of the Congo African for the Defense of the Rights of the President.

President Roger thanks the International Independent Fact Finding Mission for its report and for its vital work documenting violations committed in Suzanne. The findings of FFM painted a particularly alarming picture. Civilians continue to be the victim of attacks, summary executions, sexual violence, forced displacement and of hindrances to humanitarian aid and access. These violations, which can be laid at the door of all the different warring parties, take place against a backdrop of total and persistent impunity. The atrocities documented in El Fashir, as well as recent developments in El Obeid and Kordofan, demonstrate the urgent need of an international independent mechanism in place to document violations, to preserve evidence, and to identify perpetrators. RADO therefore supports the extension of the FFM's mandate and invites states and partners to provide the FFM with the necessary financial and technical resources to allow it to deliver on its mandate. We also call for strengthened cooperation between the FFM, African human rights protections mechanisms and relevant jurisdictions in order to ensure that the elements of evidence that are gathered together can effectively contribute to the fight against impunity and ensuring access by victims to justice and remedy. Finally, RADO calls upon all states to refrain from any forms of support that may further fuel violations and rather to exercise their influence to ensure the protection of civilian populations. In conclusion, we would like to know what concrete measures the FFM would recommend be put in place in order to guarantee that evidence that's been gathered today can tomorrow effectively contribute to determining accountability and ensuring prosecution. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Association Maona for Human Rights and Immigration.

Thank you. We thank the Fact Finding Mission for its report, and we can only agree to express our profound alarm regarding this catastrophic escalating crisis in Sudan. Targeted attacks against civilians, such as extrajudicial killings, forced displacements, and the systematic use of brutal conflict-related sexual violence, are all confirmed flagrant violations of international humanitarian law. This ongoing crisis has led to more than an estimated 7 million internally displaced persons who, without a dedicated binding instrument, are merely protected under international human and humanitarian rights law, the violation of which, however, has led to their displacement in the first place. Those 7 million are lacking basic health care, housing, nutrition, and protection from, for example, violence and sexual exploitation, clearly constituting a violation of their basic human rights. Additionally, as the report also states, external actors are complicit, prolonging the violence and the suffering. To stop this immediately, Association Maona and Geneva International Centre for Justice urge for the cessation of hostilities and robust protection of civilians. All perpetrators must be held accountable through credible, independent mechanisms. International law must also seek for targeted protection for those that are internally displaced. And lastly, international actors must shift intervention from fueling hostilities to funding humanitarian aid for the people in Sudan. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Broad National Movement Limited.

Mr. President, since 15 April 2023, the people of Sudan have been suffered a devastating war. Civilians have been targeted by systematic killing, violence, torture, arbitrary detention, sexual violence and forced displacement. BNM believes that the Janjaweed militias and senior army officers have been used as a tool by Islamist forces to pursue political interests. We call on the fact-finding mission to investigate.

All parties and all those who plan, order, support or carry out crimes against civilians. These crimes must not be ignored or treated as a political dispute. Those responsible must be identified and criminally prosecuted, regardless of their rank, position or political affiliation. Evidence must be collected and protected, and victims and witnesses must be protected. BNM calls for justice and accountability for Sudanese and want to end the impunity.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of the African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies.

Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council. We fully support the work of the FFM and call on all stakeholders to do so. In this respect, we draw attention to our joint written submission to this session as contained in document A/HR/C/63/NGO/2 139. We welcome the FFM's third comprehensive report on external support networks, yet we are unsatisfied with its patchy nature and incomplete findings. Dozens of state and non-state actors are involved in the conflict in Sudan. External interferences through military support and political and diplomatic backing to the conflicting parties emboldens their positions and prolongs the suffering of the victims. And we further note that the key role of some of Sudan's neighboring countries in support of the war effort is yet to be documented and disclosed. Mr. President, all the FFM's reports and those of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights are categorical that the two parties to the conflict are responsible for the commission of massive and systematic crimes under international law on equal footing. It is therefore natural that all states and entities that provide external support to the warring parties in Sudan should be treated equally by the FFM and the Council and with the same sense of urgency and vigor. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Medline. for Human Rights for an intervention by video.

President, Midline for Human Rights thanks the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for its continued work on Sudan. We remain deeply concerned by the grave violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces, including mass killings, ethnically targeted violence, sexual violence, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, torture, looting, and attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. These crimes cannot continue with impunity. We are equally concerned about the role of external actors whose financial, military, logistical, or other assistance may enable the RSF to sustain its campaign of atrocities. In particular, mounting evidence concerning support from the United Arab Emirates, including weapons, logistics, and foreign fighters, requires serious international scrutiny. We therefore call upon this Council to investigate and hold accountable both perpetrators and those who knowingly facilitate their crimes. We urge targeted sanctions, enforcement of the arms embargo, investigation of external supply networks, and full cooperation with the fact-finding mission and the International Criminal Court. Silence is not neutrality when civilians are being killed. Accountability must reach those who enable the crimes. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Lawyers for Lawyers in a joint statement with Lawyers Rights Watch Canada for a video intervention.

Mr. President, Lawyers for Lawyers, the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, and Lawyers Rights Watch Canada thank the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for its continued work. The mission's findings confirm not only the brutal and systematic targeting of civilians, but also the progressive dismantling of Sudan's justice system by both parties to the conflict. Lawyers representing individuals accused of links to the RSF or belonging to marginalized ethnic groups are at an increased risk. Since April 2023, at least 16 lawyers in Sudan have reportedly been killed and dozens more forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, or prosecuted in connection with their professional activities, forcing some into hiding or exile. Reports also indicate raids on law offices, confiscation of privileged materials, and restricted access to clients in prison. This year alone, at least 31 lawyers were reportedly suspended or disbarred by disciplinary bodies lacking a recognized legal mandate. These attacks severely undermine the protection and independence of lawyers, further eroding the rule of law in Sudan and leaving civilians increasingly without effective legal protection amid the ongoing conflict, particularly those facing charges carrying the death penalty. We urge this Council to respond robustly to the ever-worsening situation in Sudan by extending the mission's mandate in full for another two years and equipping it with the resources it needs to adequately investigate ongoing human rights violations, including against lawyers, in advance of accountability. We thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the... Okay, I can continue.

Right.

So I now give the floor to the representative of Interfaith International.

President, Interfaith International would like to thank the Mission for its report and to retain note of the recommendations. We support the continuation of the mission's mandate so as to end impunity in Sudan. Our organization believes that both parties to the conflict are responsible of atrocities and war crimes. We call for respect of the Jeddah Declaration and protection of civilians in compliance with international law and international humanitarian law. Interfaith International would like to express its deep concern about the scale of the dramatic famine and food insecurity caused by the conflict in several regions. We demand that all parties to the conflict authorize and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Today, more than a quarter of the Sudanese population, some 15 million people, have been displaced since 2023, and around 20 million suffering acute food insecurity. To this, you have to add the grim figure of 30,000 dead. Sudan is suffering a destructive war and the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Meanwhile, weapons are freely circulating and gold and Arabic being trafficked, exported across maritime ports and airports abroad. Faced with the risk of the conflict spreading at the regional level, we call for the embargo on the circulation transfer of arms, munitions and drones to be strengthened. And we call on the international community to create an intervention force under the UN's aegis. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker that we could accommodate for this dialogue. And I now give the floor to the fact-finding mission for the concluding remarks.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I thank you for the support to the work of Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and for the solidarity for the people of Sudan that you have expressed. You have asked very important questions around conflict-related sexual violence. accountability, protection of civilians, humanitarian aid, the issue of weapons supply, having an inclusive dialogue, and also on elaborate the need for ceasefire going forward. I think from your intervention, it's clear that protection of Sudanese civilians is imperative and accountability is a paramount consideration. even in negotiating peace. Our report tells a very stark and urgent story. Sudan war is no longer confined to front lines and civilians can no longer rely on distance, hospitals, schools, markets or displacement sites for safety. The expanding use of drones sustained by external weapons, technology, financing personnel has brought the violence into the places where ordinary life should continue. It has turned maternity wards, classrooms, water points, and shelter, including IDP camps, into sites of fear and loss. At the heart of this is not only a report about weapon flows or military capability. It is a report about people. And we should remind ourselves that this is a report about people, about mothers searching for care where hospitals are struck, children killed when they should have been learning or playing, families displaced once and then attacked again, and communities forced to survive under a sky that has become a The evidence demands more attention. It demands action from every state and actor with the power to stop the support that exacerbates this conflict. External support is not a side issue in Sudan's conflict. It is helping to sustain military operation, expand the party's capabilities, and expose civilians to wider, longer range, and more persistent attacks. On the issue of question asked by Switzerland with regard to El Obeid, obviously the intervention and the discussion as an urgent discussion on this issue helped to ameliorate rate, even though the fear of and the siege is continuing. Maybe it could have been worse without the intervention by this, by the Human Rights Council, and also the work that the Fact-Finding Commission continue to do. I want to conclude by also reminding us that behind every drone strike, every disrupted hospital, every closed school, and every destroyed market, are Sudanese civilians whose lives have been reduced to survival. Women are giving birth without safe access to emergency care. Children are being killed in places where they should have been learning or even listening to lullaby. Families who fled conflict are being struck again. I want to say that the Council should send, I plead, Just like we've done a lot of recommendation, which is very clear from the report, an unmistakable message that civilian life in Sudan is not expendable. Violations will not be normalized. And those who fuel this war should be held to account. Accountability remains a paramount consideration, even in peace table. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your feedback and the very important questions that you have asked us. I will address three issues together to group some of your concerns. First, the conduct of the parties to the conflict and the role of external actors. Our findings show how weapons, financing, personnel, and technology from outside Sudan are expanding the party's military capabilities and enabling sophisticated operations with devastating consequences for the civilians, as my colleague, Joy, just mentioned. External support cannot be separated from the conduct of those receiving it. The gravity of the violations and the foreseeable risk of recurrence are documented. Those providing support must exercise due diligence, ensure that their assistance does not contribute to violations or international crimes, investigate illicit activities within their jurisdiction, and halt them. Denial is not enough. Action is needed. Actors with influence over the parties must use their diplomatic and economic leverage to secure compliance with international law and protect civilians. This is why we have called for the strict enforcement of the Darfur arms embargo and its extension to the whole of Sudan. The conflict is spreading as the parties require more technologies, with long-range drones reaching Kordofan, Blue Nile, and White Nile. The second issue several of you asked about is the impact on women and children. Sexual and gender-based violence remains a defining feature of this conflict. Women and girls have endured rape and other sexual violence, particularly during displacement, detention, and attacks on their communities. Drone attacks on hospitals, markets, essential infrastructures have also killed and injured women, while depriving them of healthcare, water, food, and livelihood. Those violations must be investigated and those responsible must be held to account.

Thirdly, and I'll switch into Arabic, we cannot protect civilians without achieving justice and accountability. These efforts have to start by protecting survivors and victims and witnesses, and to put an end to intimidation of those who cooperate with the different mechanisms, and to have evidences to be used before the court. I want to say that intimidation and reprisals are on the increase by the parties to the conflict.

The ICJ, the ICC must be supported and cooperated with. Its jurisdiction must cover all violations around the Sudan, not only in Darfur. As I mentioned, these violations, these crimes are increasing by the day. the international legal jurisdiction must also be exercised to prosecute the perpetrators wherever they are. We also call for tribunals specifically for the Sudan in cooperation with the ICC in order to realize a widespread and more effective accountability in order to increase Trust between parties. We support the trust, the confidence-building measures as proposed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We call upon all parties to engage constructively and to be flexible. In this respect, we also support all efforts of mediation and to establish accountability in the peace process. Our message today is clear. Arms and funding must be restricted, as well as technology and personnel that fuels that fuel this war, the perpetrators of international crimes and grave violations must be held to account. There is no military solution for this conflict. Make no mistake about that. We cannot find a sustainable solution without addressing the supportive mechanisms. Thank you.

Thank you. This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I wish to thank the members of the fact-finding mission for their participation and their contribution. We will now take a short technical break before holding the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, we will now begin the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. It is my honor to welcome Mr. Walker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Also allow me to welcome the distinguished panelists, Mr. Nicholas Kumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, Ms. Kaoru Okizumi, Mr. Tun Khin, Mr. Tin Zar Shun Lee Yi, and Ms. Zoya Fan. list of speakers will close after 15 minutes and I now have the honor to give the floor to the High Commissioner for Human Rights for his statement. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, the human rights crisis in Myanmar is a matter of the greatest international concern. The report and the discussion is further evidence of this. The devastating regional impacts of the crisis are clearer by the day. Millions of people have been forced from their homes and hundreds have died on dangerous sea crossings. Illegal economic activity is flourishing with an impact on the environment and economies throughout the region. Soaring humanitarian needs and reduced funding are undermining basic services, creating a real risk that diseases like cholera could spread across borders. Credible sources have verified the killing of more than 1,200 civilians during the reporting period. Open sources indicate that the actual figure may be more than 3,000. Airstrikes remained the main cause of civilian deaths, confirming military's disregard for calls to end hostilities and protect civilians. Forced conscription has become a key tactic used by the military to sustain its advances on the battlefield, control the population and spread fear. The military's denial and instrumentalization of aid have worsened the situation, particularly in minority areas. The catastrophic situation of the Rohingya is a wound that affects the entire country and other states, particularly Bangladesh. Rohingya in Rakhine are subjected to widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearance, forced labour and recruitment by both the military and the Arakan Army. I am particularly concerned by the seizure of land by the Arakan Army in Rohingya areas. This makes their plight even worse and their return home even more challenging. Much of my professional life has been dedicated to protecting the Rohingya. Their unspeakable suffering over decades has to end, and the involvement of the international community is absolutely essential. Mr. President, Illegal businesses are taking full advantage of the collapse of the rule of law in Myanmar. Drugs, scam centers, and illegal mines are blighting lives, denying the people of Myanmar the use of their own resources, and fueling the conflict through payments to the military. Myanmar is the leading global producer of opium and methamphetamines. and scam centers have expanded along border areas and in major cities, causing major concerns around fraud, kidnapping, human trafficking, slavery, sexual violence, and exploitation. Rare earth mining sites have surged by more than 150% since the coup, causing air pollution and contaminating rivers on both sides of Myanmar's border with Thailand. The use of highly destructive mining techniques has led to rampant deforestation and runoff water saturated with radioactive elements and toxic chemicals, including arsenic and lead. This contamination poses risks to drinking water and river-based livelihoods in neighboring Thailand and the wider Mekong Basin. Mining operations also rely on exploitative labor practices and subject people, particularly women, to deadly hazards, institutionalized abuse, and systematic sexual violence. Mr. President, we are here today because efforts to resolve the crisis over many years have been insufficient. It is clear that if this continues, the situation will deteriorate further and prospects for resolution will become even more distant. Myanmar is testing the credibility of the international community's expressed desire for change, particularly since the military staged elections in an attempt to gain international recognition. Engagement is important, but it must be founded on human rights. Efforts to normalize relations without any sign whatsoever that the military are complying with fundamental obligations and international law will only fuel even greater violence and violations against civilians in Myanmar and beyond. The very grim human rights picture I have painted is a reality check on all those who could bring influence to bear who are pretending that the situation is different. The International Court of Justice's upcoming determination on the merits of the case of genocide brought by the Gambia and others will be vitally important. All countries need to use their leverage to press for change and find new ways to push for progress. We need more than so-called calibrated engagement. We need human rights-based engagement. This should be conditioned on benchmarks that demonstrate a genuine commitment by the military to ending violence, allowing humanitarian access, and releasing all those arbitrarily detained. It should prioritize accountability, including for atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya. Engagement should not legitimize a system that has disregarded all demands for restraint and committed endless violations. I urge Member States to refer the full situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court through the Security Council and to end transfers to Myanmar of arms, ammunition, jet fuel and dual-use items where there is a clear risk they could facilitate violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. There can be no question of returning Rohingya and other refugees to Myanmar at a time of such insecurity and danger. Such returns would constitute a flagrant breach of the non-refoulement principle. And I call for all states to support the people of Myanmar politically and financially in their demands for democracy, justice, and human rights. Thank you.

Thank you, High Commissioner. We are going to use remaining time to hear all the presentations by the panel. And I now give the floor to Mr. Nicholas Kungjan, the head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.

Mr. President, thank you. Excellencies, it is an honor to present the eighth annual report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Unfortunately, I must report that the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate. Serious international crimes are being committed with greater frequency and intensity. The Myanmar military is increasingly relying on aerial attacks, and civilians are the principal victims. Attacks escalated in the run-up to the elections completed in January and have continued unabated. Two weeks ago, the military bombed a monastery in Sagaing region during a Buddhist retreat, one of more than 800 aerial attacks on religious buildings since the military coup. Schools and hospitals are also frequently hit. The Myanmar military is making greater use of paramotors and drones, which are harder to detect than planes, giving people less time to seek shelter. We have also observed an increase in double-tap attacks, where a second attack hits first responders and those helping the wounded. Our investigations are progressing. We have identified a number of units involved in these attacks and the air bases from which they operate. We have also advanced investigations into torture in military-run detention facilities and identified commanders and interrogators. Our evidence includes accounts of horrific sexual and gender-based crimes, including gang rape and the burning of genitals with cigarettes. Mr. President, our mandate from the Council is to investigate serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. We collect evidence of such crimes regardless of the political loyalty, ethnicity, or religion of the perpetrators or the victims. In Rakhine State, the conflict has intensified significantly, and we are investigating allegations of killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and forced displacement committed by various armed groups. All ethnicities in Rakhine State have suffered from these crimes. Many Rakhine and other groups have been victims of aerial bombings, artillery attacks, and obstructions to humanitarian assistance. Rohingya and other minorities caught between the combatants continue to take enormous risks to escape the violence Since early 2024, more than 154,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh, joining close to a million others who cannot safely return home as the violence and insecurity in Rakhine continues. We have collected substantial evidence from more than 1,600 sources, including videos, photographs, geospatial imagery, social media posts, and information on bank transactions and weapons supply chains. We have collected over 750 testimonies from witnesses. This evidence is helping us establish what crimes happened, who was responsible, and who may have financed, facilitated, or benefited from these crimes. The Mechanism has shared extensive evidence and analysis with authorities pursuing accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya, including at the International Criminal Court and in the Argentine District Court. We have also shared information concerning crimes committed since the 2021 military takeover with authorities from several States. Earlier this year, the International Court of Justice held hearings concerning Myanmar's obligations under the Genocide Convention. The Mechanism provided much of the evidence now before the judges in that case. I am grateful to the many individuals who took enormous risks to share information with the Mechanism. They do so because they want the truth to be known. and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Our responsibility is to ensure that their courage is not in vain. The Mechanism will continue working to collect evidence that will prove the crimes and identities of those responsible, and help facilitate national and international authorities to use this evidence to bring those responsible to justice. Thank you.

Thank you. And I now give the floor to Mr. Thun Khin, the President of the Burmese Rohingya Organization for his presentation.

Mr. President, in 1992, a Myanmar military offensive forced a quarter of a million Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. The UN called on the authorities to create the necessary conditions to stop refugees fleeing and enable them to return. Those conditions were never created. Member states failed to uphold international law or act on repeated UN resolutions and warnings. Persecution escalated into genocide. More than 30 years later, today, report High Commissioner shows that the consequences, the abuses described in this report are not separate. Together, they are driving Rohingya towards erasure from our homeland. The Myanmar military continues to forcibly conscript Rohingya and block humanitarian aid. Across most of the Rakhine State, Arkan Army now holds power. Rohingya now face two oppressors, both denying their identity, their rights, and their future in their homeland. Rohingyas are being denied the means to live. Food, medicine, movement, and livelihoods are restricted. These restrictions can kill as effectively as bullets. Arkan Army use the same racist language as the Myanmar military and denies Rohingya identity. Families are ordered to provide one boy or one girl for recruitment. Women and girls forcibly recruited by Arkanami are raped. Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK has documented widespread sexual violence used to intimidate and repress Rohingya. Rohingya homes, land, mosques and graveyards are destroyed or taken. They are prevented from returning while other communities are settled on Rohingya land, and some are forced to build these settlements. This is erasing Rohingya from the land and making return impossible. In 1992, the UN said conditions must be created for the Rohingya to return. More than 30 years later, today's report confirms those conditions still do not exist. Yet government discuss returning Rohingya to the conditions from which they continue to flee. Rohingyas are still being driven out. Around 150,000 Rohingya have arrived to Bangladesh since early 2024. With no safe route to protection, others risk their life as high sea are exploited by traffickers. In Bangladesh, 1.2 million Rohingya remain in refugee camps. Conditions are increasingly desperate. Now governments are cutting the very aid they need to survive. And when Rohingya flee to other countries, they face discrimination, detention, and threats to return to Myanmar. There is nowhere safe for Rohingya to go. This is what continuing genocide looks like. The longer the Myanmar military and Rakhine army act with impunity, the closer we come to see that complete erasure of Rohingya from Rakhine State. We welcome High Commissioner's report and its strong recommendations. But Rohingya have heard reports and recommendations for more than 30 years. There is no lack of evidence, no lack of international law. What has been missing is and by Member States. Member States must now impose targeted sanctions on the Myanmar military and the army. They must restrict the arms, aviation, fuel and revenue streams enabling further atrocities. They must urgently restore humanitarian funding, including the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. They must facilitate cross-border aid and demand unrestricted humanitarian access in Rakhine State. Maximum pressure must be applied on the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army to end persecution and ensure Rohingya protection and equal rights. Rohingyas are the native people of Arakan. native people of Rakhine State. We live side by side with other minorities. The Rakhine Army must recognize Rohingya identity, stop seizing Rohingya land, and allow Rohingya to return home. Host countries must protect Rohingya refugees and not detain them to send back to the genocide. Rohingya must lead decision about when and under what conditions return takes place. Any return must be with security protection, equal rights, restoration of their land, and full citizenship. This report must mark the point when recommendations finally lead to action.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Ms. Tin Zar Shun Lay Yi.

Monsieur le Président, Excellence, je parle en tant que.

I've just returned from Khosas Bazaar, where we.

9th anniversary du génocide contre les Rohingyas et nous avons eu des consultations avec les.

Military since the 2021 coup, airstrikes killed 982 civilians in 2025 alone. In Zaghina Magway, the military enforces its four-cast strategy, blocking food, medicine, and even women's menstrual products. Gender-based deprivation used deliberately as a weapon to war. Finding the military responsible for 80% of the violence, targeting women and.

Reprendre le projet de barrage, mais cela risque de donner lieu à de nouveaux déplacements et à de nouveaux actes de violence. L'armée est en train de se fracturer de l'intérieur. Il faut continue to work. Some 23,000 political prisoners are being held.

The International Criminal Court prosecutor has already sought an arrest warrant against Myanmar for crimes against humanity in 2017. Any diplomatic legitimization of his government undermines that process. And every day, more survivors of this violence arrive in Bangladesh, Malaysia, and along the Thailand border. met with pushbacks and deportation instead of sanctuary. Returning them to Myanmar is a death sentence. I urge this Council to, one, ensure the ICC arrest warrant request against Mya Aung explicitly encompasses sexual violence against Rohingya and support universal jurisdiction cases that treat documentation from women's human rights organizations as usable evidence. Two, directly and flexibly fund women-led, LGBTQ-inclusive documentation protection organization during this war when no state protection. Three, impose a binding embargo on military aviation fuel, arms transfer, and dual-use drone technology. Reject all diplomatic legitimization of the military sham elections and its land and resource seizures, including the resumption of the Meuse River Dam. Four, support safe, accountable protection and reintegration for defecting soldiers and people detained in connection with this conflict. Five, guarantee regional refugee protection, enforce deportation and pushback in Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh, and grant legal status and work permit to refugees, especially survivor of gender-based violence. Thank you so much.

Thank you. We have one more presentation, which is a video statement, but that will take place in the afternoon session, and the list of speakers is now closed. 00 p.m. to continue with the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, to hold the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, to be followed presentation of the updates under agenda item 2 and the general debate. And I now hereby close the first meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you.