30/06/2025
Appeal to Extend the Deadline for Submitting Testimonies:
Do Not Shut the Window of Justice for Victims of the Conflict in Sudan
Port Sudan – Kampala – Geneva – Nairobi
30 June 2025
In light of the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan and the unprecedented humanitarian tragedy it has caused, and with the approach of the deadline set by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for receiving testimonies on human rights violations, scheduled for 30 June 2025, the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy and the Sudanese Refugees Community - Uganda, along with their cooperating and coordinating civil society organizations, express their deep concern regarding the short timeframe granted for documenting statements and testimonies, given the extremely complex reality experienced by survivors and victims.
The war in Sudan has led to the displacement of millions of civilians, the collapse of justice institutions, and the inability of victims and witnesses to access documentation platforms due to insecurity, the lack of technical means, and ongoing psychological trauma. In this context, the expiration of the set deadline should not become yet another obstacle for those seeking to raise their voices after having lost their homeland, safety, and justice.
Many citizens, from inside Sudan and from refugee camps in neighboring countries, have contacted us, inquiring and requesting an extension of the deadline. The vast majority expressed that they were not previously aware of the existence of channels for submitting reports and testimonies to this international mechanism and that this is the first time they are hearing about it. This reveals a serious gap in access to information amid institutional collapse and confirms the urgent need to allow additional time in which victims can be enabled to provide their testimonies.
The importance of extending the deadline is further heightened by the ongoing commission of killings, armed looting, and violations of fundamental human rights by the warring parties, as well as the obstruction of safe humanitarian aid. This necessitates the continuation of reporting and documentation efforts, the provision of protection for civilians, victims, and witnesses, and the assurance of accountability and the end of impunity.
Lethal weapons continue to flow across borders and are stockpiled in chaotic war zones, amid the collapse of the state and the total absence of legal and judicial systems. This only reinforces the cycle of violence and suffering.
In this regard, we recall the warning of Ambassador Abdul Mohamed, Head of Delegation and Political Advisor to the High-Level African Union Panel, about the risk of Sudan’s de facto partition due to the warring parties’ attempts to entrench their geographic control. He pointed to the failure of previous political tracks, the absence of international coordination, and the growing external interventions-particularly emphasizing the call for a unified African role and genuine international effort to protect the unity of the country and ensure justice for victims. This makes the extension of the deadline part of the requirements for a just solution.
Accordingly, we call for the acceleration of steps and procedures to activate international and regional protection mechanisms for civilians, and to limit the flow of weapons used in violations and crimes-especially those involving forced displacement and demographic replacement, internally and externally. We also call for the opening of effective and independent investigations into crimes already committed, and those likely to be committed should the war continue.
Based on the above, we urge the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to extend the deadline for submitting testimonies to the Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, in a way that takes into account the exceptional circumstances of victims inside the country and in the diaspora, and grants them the full opportunity to document the crimes and violations they have witnessed.
Extending this deadline is not merely a technical measure-it is a moral and humanitarian stance that reflects a commitment to the principles of justice and the fight against impunity, and expresses the international community’s dedication to protecting human rights, especially in contexts of conflict and displacement.
Those fleeing from bombings, living without shelter, or suffering from loss and fear, do not always have the capacity to document, communicate, or even think about writing a testimony.
We affirm our full support for the Fact-Finding Mission and call for this fair extension, out of respect for the victims and to empower them to contribute to the achievement of the justice they seek.
The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy
Sudanese Refugees Community - Uganda
30 June 2025
https://nubian-cpd.com/appeal-to-extend-the-deadline-for-submitting-testimonies-do-not-shut-the-window-of-justice-for-victims-of-the-conflict-in-sudan/
