UAE Rejects Sudan Conflict Allegations at UN Human Rights Council

The United Arab Emirates has formally rejected what it described as unfounded allegations made by parties to the conflict in Sudan during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Speaking during the session in Geneva, Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Counselor at the UAE Permanent Mission, exercised the country’s official “Right of Reply” in response to accusations directed at the UAE by one of the warring factions in Sudan’s civil conflict.

The statement comes amid the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023 and has since triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to UN agencies, the conflict has displaced millions of civilians and severely damaged hospitals, schools and essential infrastructure.

Al Mazrouei said the UAE strongly condemns all violations committed during the conflict and stressed that attention should remain focused on protecting Sudanese civilians and supporting international peace efforts. He accused one of the parties of attempting to divert attention from allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses documented in international reports.

During the council session, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that all parties in Sudan must comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights obligations. Reports presented to the Council have highlighted allegations including attacks on civilian infrastructure, arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, and obstruction of humanitarian aid access.

The UAE representative also expressed concern over reports of attacks on hospitals and humanitarian personnel, as well as claims of the use of prohibited weapons — allegations that remain part of ongoing international scrutiny.

The Sudan conflict has drawn increasing global concern, with repeated calls from the UN, African Union and regional actors for ceasefire agreements and renewed political dialogue. However, peace initiatives have repeatedly stalled amid continued fighting.

The UAE emphasized that it supports international mediation efforts and humanitarian relief for the Sudanese people, while rejecting what it described as politically motivated accusations made during the council proceedings.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council continues in Geneva, where member states are reviewing multiple global human rights situations, including the crisis in Sudan.