UN Security Council Resolution 2750 Imposes Tougher Sanctions on Sudan to Reduce Violence in Darfur – JURIST

The UN Security Council unanimously decided on Wednesday to extend long-standing sanctions against Sudan by adopting Resolution 2750. The extension, enshrined in Chapter VII of the UN Charter, extends the sanctions for an additional year. The resolution, issued as document S/RES/2750(2024), stipulates that the sanctions, which include an asset freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo, will remain in place until 12 September 2025, with a further review to be carried out by that date.

Resolution 2750 extends the sanctions originally imposed by Resolution 1591 and renewed by Resolution 2676 on 8 March 2023. Negotiations for this resolution proceeded smoothly, with the United States, which acted as the penholder for the sanctions against Sudan, presenting a draft that built on Resolution 2676. This draft effectively removed outdated provisions and incorporated updates from later resolutions, including Resolution 2725. While the technical rollover approach was generally accepted, there were some disagreements over specific elements of the resolution.

The conflict in Darfur remains serious and multifaceted, characterised by persistent violence, human rights violations and a dire humanitarian situation. The region is suffering from intense fighting between various armed groups, including the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, leading to widespread displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian assistance. Reports point to systematic human rights violations, including the use of heavy weapons and sexual and gender-based violence, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. At the Council meeting, representatives stressed the need for continued international pressure to hold perpetrators to account and promote peace in Sudan.

Following the adoption of the resolution, the US representative stressed that the people of Darfur face difficult conditions marked by intense fighting, restrictions on humanitarian aid and continued human rights violations. The renewed sanctions are intended to signal the international commitment to address these issues, alleviate the humanitarian crisis and promote peace and security in the region. Similarly, the UK representative noted the recent report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission documenting systematic human rights violations by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. They stressed that both sides believe that the conflict can only be resolved on the battlefield, and urged states not to increase the fighting capacities of either side and instead use their leverage to bring the parties to the negotiating table. The representative called on the warring parties to protect civilians during the conflict.

On the other hand, the representative of Sudan condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Darfur, in particular those carried out by the Rapid Support Forces militias using heavy artillery and weapons prohibited under international law. They criticized the role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting these militias and profiting from illegal gold mining in the region. The representative called for targeted sanctions against the militias and companies involved and stressed the need for international pressure to force the aggressors to compensate the Sudanese people for the damages and losses suffered. They also stressed the need for a strategic plan for peace that addresses Sudan’s concerns and supports recovery.

Resolution 2750 underscores the international community’s continued commitment to holding to account those who violate international rules.