The European Union has condemned in the strongest terms atrocities committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, including ethnically targeted killings, torture, and sexual violence, and called for expanding the International Criminal Court's mandate to cover all of Sudan. In a statement delivered on 15 June 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council during an enhanced interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, the EU also urged all external actors to immediately cease supplying arms or financial support to the warring parties, as agreed in the Berlin Principles for Sudan.
The statement, issued by the EU delegation to the UN in Geneva, notes that the conflict has now entered its fourth year, with over 19.5 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity, 33.7 million requiring humanitarian assistance, 8.9 million internally displaced, and 4.5 million having fled to neighbouring countries. Famine has been confirmed in parts of Darfur and Kordofan. The EU expressed being appalled by reports of child recruitment, some as young as 11, used as soldiers in El Fasher.
The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting the humanitarian response, noting that at the Sudan Conference in Berlin, the EU and its member states pledged EUR 812 million. It also called for safe and principled humanitarian access throughout Sudan and protection of aid workers, supplies, and infrastructure.
On accountability, the EU advocated for expanding the existing ICC mandate to the whole of Sudan and for expanding the UN arms embargo to cover the entire country. It urged all parties to fully cooperate with the Fact-Finding Mission by granting unhindered access to all regions.
The EU stressed that the conflict requires a political solution and a civilian-led transition process respecting Sudan's unity and territorial integrity. It will continue working as part of the Quintet with the African Union, the UN, IGAD, and the League of Arab States to strengthen inclusive civilian dialogue based on the Joint Call to End the War in Sudan adopted at the Berlin Conference. The EU called on all parties to resume negotiations towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire and to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Stakeholder impact: The statement reinforces pressure on the SAF and RSF and their allied militias, who face increased isolation and potential accountability measures. External actors supplying arms or support to the parties are urged to cease, affecting their geopolitical and economic interests. Humanitarian organisations and aid workers may benefit from the EU's call for safe access and protection, though operational challenges remain severe. Sudanese civilians, particularly women, children, and journalists, are the primary intended beneficiaries of the EU's demands for protection and accountability, but the impact depends on implementation.
Expected follow-up: The EU will continue to advocate at the UN and in other forums for ICC mandate expansion and a comprehensive arms embargo. The EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa will pursue work on protecting critical infrastructure. The Quintet process is expected to advance civilian dialogue and ceasefire negotiations.