UAE refutes false claims to conflict in Sudan at UNHRC

Right of reply statement

Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Counselor at the UAE Permanent Mission in Geneva, stated in his remarks — which included the official “Right of Reply” — that the UAE is responding to one of the parties to the conflict in Sudan, which has directed baseless and false accusations against the UAE.

Sudanese Armed Forces diverting responsibility

Al Mazrouei noted that instead of focusing on protecting the rights of the Sudanese people and engaging seriously in international efforts to end the civil war, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue to divert attention from their fundamental responsibility to protect civilians and safeguard their dignity.

He added that the current actions represent a transparent maneuver to deflect accountability regarding multiple allegations of war crimes documented in official reports.

Accountability of warring parties

Al Mazrouei said: “We have listened to the briefing by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to the interventions of distinguished speakers regarding the responsibility of all warring parties — the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”

Record of atrocities

He explained that the Sudanese Armed Forces have launched systematic attacks on hospitals, markets, and educational institutions using drones, with credible evidence of chemical weapons use. Atrocities also include extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and acts of sexual violence against women and girls.

Concern over sexual violence

Al Mazrouei expressed deep concern over reports of sexual violence in areas under SAF control targeting medical personnel and humanitarian volunteers, emphasizing that civilians, the Sudanese people, and international humanitarian efforts are not among the priorities of this warring party.

Silence on violations

While the UAE has clearly condemned all violations during the conflict, the party leveling accusations against the UAE remained silent regarding these atrocities. This party has also avoided accountability for its links to extremist groups, particularly those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Impunity and lack of cooperation

He highlighted that numerous reports show questionable independence of the Sudanese National Committee and a recurring pattern of impunity involving elements of the Sudanese Armed Forces. The party’s refusal to cooperate with international investigative mechanisms demonstrates an attempt to evade responsibility.

Loss of credibility

Al Mazrouei concluded that the warring party accusing the UAE has lost credibility in addressing the Council or claiming a role in Sudan’s future, after seizing power by force with the RSF, committing grave war crimes, obstructing humanitarian aid, and consistently blocking international peace initiatives.