8 September 2026
Midline Human Rights joins the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, as the continuing conflict exposes civilians to escalating violence, displacement and the destruction of essential services.
The prolonged fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has developed into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian and human rights crises. Millions have been forced from their homes, while communities across the country continue to face insecurity and severe disruption to healthcare, water, food supplies and other basic services.
Midline Human Rights believes that the protection of civilians must take precedence over military and political interests. All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Supporting the UN Call for an Immediate Ceasefire
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to foreign involvement that fuels the conflict, and a return to inclusive civilian governance.
Midline Human Rights supports this appeal and calls on all parties to end hostilities without delay.
A ceasefire is urgently required not only to prevent further loss of life but also to allow humanitarian organizations to reach affected communities and create space for a meaningful political process.
The continuing expansion of hostilities demonstrates that a military solution will only deepen the suffering of Sudan’s population. Regional and international actors should use their influence to reduce escalation and advance credible efforts toward peace.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan continue to monitor and investigate alleged violations arising from the conflict.
Civilians Must Not Be Targets
Recent findings presented to the UN Human Rights Council have highlighted the growing dangers facing civilians, including the increasing use of long-range drones and attacks affecting locations far beyond conventional front lines.
Homes, hospitals, schools, markets, displacement sites and places where civilians gather have all been affected during the conflict.
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan has reported reasonable grounds to believe that both the SAF and RSF have committed serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, some of which may amount to war crimes.
Midline Human Rights stresses that civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be treated as legitimate targets.
Allegations of serious violations must be investigated independently and impartially, and individuals responsible for crimes under international law must be held accountable.
Destruction of Healthcare Threatens Entire Communities
Sudan’s healthcare system has suffered devastating consequences during the conflict.
Hospitals and medical facilities have been damaged or forced out of service, medical equipment has been destroyed or lost, and healthcare professionals continue to work in extremely difficult conditions.
The consequences reach far beyond those directly injured by the fighting. When hospitals cease functioning, entire communities can lose access to emergency treatment, surgery, medicines, maternal care and other essential medical services.
Midline Human Rights reminds all parties that medical facilities, healthcare personnel, patients and medical transport are specifically protected under international humanitarian law. These protections must be respected at all times.
Humanitarian Assistance Must Reach Those in Need
Millions of Sudanese people have been displaced within the country or forced to seek safety beyond its borders.
For those who remain in conflict-affected areas, access to food, clean water, medicine, shelter and other basic necessities can be a matter of survival.
Midline Human Rights therefore calls for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
Humanitarian workers must be protected, and relief operations must be allowed to function independently and impartially. Humanitarian assistance must never be obstructed, politicized or used as leverage by any party to the conflict.
External Actors Must Help End — Not Prolong — the Conflict
Midline Human Rights is also deeply concerned by allegations that external support and foreign involvement are contributing to the continuation and escalation of hostilities.
States and other external actors must ensure that their actions do not facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law or contribute to further civilian suffering.
International engagement with Sudan should be directed toward de-escalation, humanitarian protection and a sustainable political settlement—not toward prolonging armed confrontation.
Midline Human Rights Calls for Concrete Action
In light of the continuing deterioration of conditions in Sudan, Midline Human Rights calls on the parties to the conflict, regional actors and the international community to:
- Agree to an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.
- End attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- Guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all communities in need.
- Respect and protect hospitals, medical personnel, humanitarian workers and displaced persons.
- Prevent external involvement from contributing to further escalation.
- Support independent investigations into alleged war crimes and other serious violations.
- Ensure meaningful accountability for perpetrators of crimes under international law.
- Support an inclusive, civilian-led political process capable of delivering lasting peace.
The People of Sudan Deserve Peace
Behind every casualty figure and displacement statistic are individuals, families and communities whose lives have been transformed by years of violence.
The international community must not allow prolonged conflict to make civilian suffering appear inevitable or normal.
Midline Human Rights stands with the people of Sudan and supports the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ call for an immediate end to the violence.
Peace in Sudan must be built on civilian protection, human dignity, accountability and respect for fundamental rights.
The people of Sudan deserve more than temporary relief from violence. They deserve a future in which their rights are protected, their voices are heard and their communities can rebuild in safety and dignity.
Midline Human Rights
8 September 2026
Sources: This statement has been independently prepared by Midline Human Rights based on publicly available information and findings from United Nations human rights mechanisms. Primary references include the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan.
