Empowering Sudanese Human Rights Defenders: Two-Day Workshop Concludes Ahead of UN Council Sessions
“In Kampala, the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy convened Sudanese youth, women leaders, and human rights defenders for a two-day workshop ahead of UN Council sessions. Participants explored strategies to document violations, advocate internationally, and amplify marginalized voices. Emphasizing justice, accountability, and civilian protection, the workshop strengthened collaboration, empowered defenders, and reinforced Sudanese civil society’s role in promoting human rights, combating impunity, and advancing peace and dignity for all affected by the ongoing conflict.”
22 February 2025 – Kampala, Uganda
The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy (NCPD), in collaboration with its partners, including the African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, successfully organized and concluded a two-day workshop on the human rights situation in Sudan at the Human Rights House in Kampala. The workshop brought together 50 participants, including youth activists, women leaders, civil society representatives, human rights defenders, academics, and investigators. In addition, key stakeholders participated online, including members of the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative dialogue on human rights challenges and advocacy strategies.
A Platform for Preparation and Empowerment
The workshop was designed as a preparatory forum for the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, scheduled to take place from February 24 to April 4, 2025, as well as upcoming sessions of the Council and the 80th UN General Assembly. Its primary objectives were to:
- Equip Sudanese human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and youth and women advocacy groups with practical tools and strategies to advocate effectively at international forums.
- Strengthen coordination and integration with regional and international human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
- Promote accountability, justice, and the prevention of further atrocities and grave violations.
- Ensure inclusive engagement of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, in human rights advocacy.
Key Discussions and Insights
During the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on critical issues facing Sudan, including:
- Transitional justice and accountability, amid ongoing widespread violations.
- Targeting of activists and revolutionaries, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the use of discriminatory practices such as the “Alien Faces Law.”
- Crimes against women and children, including sexual and gender-based violence, child recruitment by armed groups, and strategies for rehabilitation and demobilization.
- Religious and ethnic persecution, the war economy, and the financing of conflict through resource exploitation.
- Collaboration with international mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the UN Fact-Finding Mission, to ensure documentation, accountability, and justice.
Participants also analyzed the upcoming OHCHR report on the human rights situation in Sudan (Report No. A-HRC-58-29), scheduled for submission on February 27, 2025, and discussed the strategic significance of future UN sessions, particularly the 59th and 60th Human Rights Council sessions and the final report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, expected in September 2025.
Empowering Voices and Building Strategies
The workshop emphasized empowering Sudanese defenders-especially youth and women-to develop impactful statements, actionable strategies, and unified messaging for international advocacy. Participants underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among civil society organizations and effectively coordinating with regional and international bodies to ensure accountability, protect civilians, and prevent impunity.
Key Recommendations
The workshop concluded with a set of comprehensive recommendations, including:
- Strengthening accountability mechanisms to ensure justice and redress for victims of human rights violations.
- Reviewing and amending laws and legislation to prevent misuse and safeguard fundamental rights.
- Developing independent mechanisms for verifying digital evidence and ensuring reliable investigations.
- Providing specialized training for monitors and investigators to enhance the quality of human rights documentation.
- Reinforcing international cooperation to support investigations and ensure justice is served.
- Ensuring inclusive participation of marginalized groups in human rights advocacy, particularly women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
- Coordinating efforts for unified and effective messaging in Geneva and New York during UN Council sessions.
A Step Towards Justice and Protection
The NCPD, alongside its partners, highlighted that this workshop represents a crucial step in empowering Sudanese human rights defenders to amplify their voices, ensure accountability for violations, and strengthen international engagement on Sudan’s humanitarian and human rights crises. It reinforced the principle that justice, accountability, and protection of civilians must remain top priorities in national and international efforts to address the ongoing conflict.
“This workshop is not just a preparatory exercise-it is a commitment to Sudanese people, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups, to safeguard their dignity, protect their rights, and demand justice for all victims of the ongoing conflict,” said the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy.
The NCPD and its partners called on Sudanese civil society, international organizations, and regional stakeholders to continue coordinated advocacy, ensure the implementation of UN resolutions, and strengthen mechanisms for justice, accountability, and civilian protection in Sudan.
Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy (NCPD)
26 February 2025
