The purpose of this petition is to call upon the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, chaired by Mohamed Chande Othman, to address credible reports and video evidence documenting atrocities against South Sudanese nationals in Wad Medani, Sudan. These acts, allegedly committed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) after taking control of the city from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), include extrajudicial killings, torture, and other dehumanizing acts that constitute gross violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and possible crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. 

As the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, the mandate of the commission, as outlined in Resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2, positions it as a pivotal mechanism for addressing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the ongoing armed conflict. The current situation in Wad Medani underscores the urgent need for your intervention to ensure accountability and prevent further escalation. Behind this backdrop, we petition the Mission to:

Launch an Immediate and Comprehensive Investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the recent atrocities committed in Wad Medani, ensuring a specific focus on accountability for violations against South Sudanese nationals and other non-Sudanese nationals, and ensure the findings are not only included in your forthcoming updates and reports of the mission but also made public.

Preserve Evidence for Future Accountability. Employ international best practices to collect, consolidate, and preserve evidence, including testimonies and forensic materials in ways that ensure their admissibility in future judicial proceedings.

Identify Perpetrators and Patterns of Abuse: Thoroughly Analyze the broader context to uncover the individuals, entities, and systemic factors responsible for these egregious crimes. This should at least include meticulously documenting patterns of abuse, the entrenched structures that enable impunity, and the accountability measures required to not only prosecute perpetrators and deliver justice to victims but also dismantle the systems that perpetuate these violations and deterring future abuses violations. 

Develop Targeted Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations to the Human Rights Council and other relevant stakeholders, emphasizing robust accountability mechanisms and protection measures for South Sudanese, other non-nationals and Sudanese populations by similar acts of violence, abuses and violations. 

Collaborate with Regional Mechanisms: Engage and strengthen collaboration with African Union mechanisms, IGAD, and the United Nations Security Council to enhance inclusive, coordinated implementation of the identified accountability and protection efforts.

This appeal is grounded in the principles of human dignity, justice, and accountability. The systematic targeting of civilians, including South Sudanese nationals and other nationals, is a glaring violation of the core tenets of international law and represents a direct affront to global peace and security. The work of your Mission is indispensable in sending a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated.

We stand ready to support your efforts, including by facilitating access to victims, witnesses, and additional evidence. It is our hope that your forthcoming oral update at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, as well as your comprehensive report at the 60th session, will reflect the urgency and gravity of these atrocities.

Your demonstration of commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable populations is not only a legal and moral imperative but also a critical step toward addressing the root causes of impunity and conflict in Sudan and elsewhere. Thank you for your steadfast dedication to the pursuit of truth and accountability.