The African-European Organization condemns in the strongest terms the heinous massacre committed by the Armed People’s Forces against civilians in Village No. 32 in Al Jazirah State on June 19, 2019. This attack targeted civilians based on ethnicity, resulting in the death of 50 people, most of whom were from the Tama and Bargo tribes, and the complete burning of the village.
We also condemn the aerial bombing of unarmed civilians in the city of Kutum, North Darfur State, which resulted in significant loss of life, property, and civilian objects. It is believed that the air force deliberately targets civilians and destroys civilian objects and service facilities.
The organization asserts that these acts constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and contravene the fundamental principles of human rights.
Sudan, as a party to numerous international instruments that protect human rights and international humanitarian law, including:
1. The Fourth Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War:
• Article 3: “Prohibits violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture.”
• Article 27: “Protected persons are entitled, in all circumstances, to respect for their persons, their honor, their family rights, their religious convictions and practices, and their manners and customs. They shall at all times be humanely treated, and shall be protected especially against all acts of violence or threats thereof and against insults and public curiosity.”
2. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:
• Article 6: “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.”
• Article 7: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
3. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:
• Article 11: “The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing, and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions.”
Based on these texts, we call on the Government of Sudan to adhere to its international commitments, respect human rights, and protect civilians.
We also call on the international community to take the necessary measures to ban military flights over civilian areas in Sudan, ensure the protection of civilians from aerial attacks, and work to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
The African-European Organization will continue to monitor and document these violations and will strive to work with international partners to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible for these crimes.
