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Ireland among nations calling for Sudan war crimes probe

Destruction at Al-Muallim Hospital is seen in Khartoum in Sudan
Damage can be seen at Al-Muallim Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan following years of conflict (file photo)

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee was one of 32 cosignatories of a statement which has denounced possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan during the nearly three-year war between the army and paramilitary rivals.

The joint ministerial statement, which was signed by EU nations, the UK and Canada, among others, called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian operations in Sudan.

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a bitter struggle for control of the country since April 2023.

The war has killed tens of thousands, displaced 11 million and triggered what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

The signatories of the joint statement condemned "the abhorrent violence against civilians, particularly women and children and all serious violations of international humanitarian law in the strongest terms".

"These violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity and must be promptly and impartially investigated, with those responsible for international crimes brought to justice."

"Sexual and gender-based violence is rampant, famine is confirmed and severe hunger continues to spread," it said.

"All parties must respect international humanitarian law which includes an obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded access of food, medicine, and other essential supplies to civilians in need."

The war has effectively split the country in two, with the army holding the centre, north and east while the RSF controls the west and, with their allies, parts of the south.

With truce talks deadlocked for months, the UN has repeatedly urged warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and allow access for aid.