Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan in Berlin

Justice Minister Addresses High-Level Segment of the 61st UN Human Rights Council Session

Minister of Justice, Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Dirif, today addressed the high-level segment of the general debate at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, providing an update on the country’s security and humanitarian situation amid ongoing armed militia rebellion.
Minister Dirif highlighted that the armed insurgency, now approaching its third year, has targeted state institutions, infrastructure, and essential facilities. He detailed that the militias have systematically committed serious violations, including killings, sexual violence, plundering, and terrorizing civilians, in clear breach of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
The Minister emphasized that the Sudanese government has exercised its constitutional authority to confront the insurgency in order to safeguard citizens’ security and the unity of the country, while strictly adhering to international humanitarian law and holding perpetrators accountable. He noted that Sudan is facing a proxy war, fuelled by military and logistical support provided by external states to the militias, particularly by their main patron, the Abu Dhabi authority, which has prolonged the conflict and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. At the same time, Minister Dirif reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to protecting human rights by establishing national investigative mechanisms, strengthening accountability, and enabling the justice system to operate fully and independently.
The Minister also outlined the government’s roadmap launched in March 2025, including the formation of a civilian-led government under Dr. Kamil Idris, the implementation of a comprehensive peace initiative based on a UN- and regionally supervised ceasefire, the safe return of displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, the disarmament of militias, and a Sudanese-led dialogue culminating in free and fair elections.
Concluding his address, Minister Dirif emphasized Sudan’s openness to constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and all international mechanisms, rejecting politicization and selectivity. He noted that the Sudanese government has recently hosted the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, alongside several experts and UN bodies, facilitating their work to protect and promote human rights in the country.