Sudan

The ongoing armed conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has propelled Sudan into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, critically degrading the already fragile human development landscape. Longstanding and escalating conflicts have placed immense pressure on vulnerable communities, resulting in the world’s largest displacement crisis, compromised livelihoods, widespread disease outbreaks and escalating protection risks. These dire circumstances, exacerbated by profound societal divisions and limited resources, have significantly eroded resilience and social cohesion, intensifying governance challenges.

The conflict has led to a catastrophic collapse of the rule of law. The human rights situation has deteriorated sharply, characterized by a marked increase in attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Reports of conflict-related sexual violence, gender-based violence, extortion, looting, property destruction, enforced disappearances and the exploitation of children—including forced recruitment and trafficking—have surged. The breakdown of the formal justice system has entrenched a culture of impunity, leaving affected populations without recourse. Despite these challenges, both SAF and RSF have publicly professed their commitment to protecting civilians in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Advocacy efforts by Sudanese civilians and international actors persist in holding these forces accountable.

In this turbulent environment, UNDP has remained resolute in its commitment to fostering inclusive governance and peacebuilding initiatives. The organization's response has been strategically reframed to align with the UN Common Approach for Sudan, emphasizing the rule of law and human rights, particularly accountability. Objectives focus on bolstering community resilience and supporting dialogue initiatives that address local grievances exacerbated by the 2023 conflict, effectively filling critical gaps in justice and accountability mechanisms. The inclusive governance and peacebuilding pillar serves as a catalyst for locally led peace initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and promoting inclusive governance.

UNDP’s intervention, funded by the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development, aims to identify and address the urgent justice needs of the Sudanese population facing extreme adversity. Active incorporation of local perspectives and solutions is essential for informing accountability mechanisms in forthcoming peace processes and transitional negotiations. This initiative prioritizes survivor voices in the design and implementation of justice mechanisms, with a particular focus on the needs of women and girls affected by conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.

The volatile political, humanitarian and security landscape poses formidable obstacles to project implementation. Despite these challenges, UNDP is conducting a critical assessment of the justice needs of conflict-affected communities, analysing existing and prospective accountability mechanisms. This assessment aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the justice needs expressed by the population while evaluating the effectiveness of current and potential mechanisms. The findings will produce actionable, evidence-based recommendations that enhance accountability measures, promote gender equality and address the specific concerns of women regarding justice and accountability mechanisms. Additionally, support for women and women-led civil society organizations remains a priority. Given that Sudan is experiencing the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, the assessment will also gather testimonies from refugees and internally displaced persons.