The undersigned organisations urge all actors to stop hate-based retaliatory attacks against civilians in Al Jazira State and across Sudan.

To all Sudan Champions:

While international news outlets report jubilation in Wad Madani as SAF forces take back territories in Jazeera State from the RSF, we have seen horrific reports of widespread revenge killings and sexual violence against civilians perceived to have supported RSF fighters – or simply for being perceived as foreign. These revenge atrocities are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and likely amount to crimes against humanity. Hate-based killings against the Kenabi community and South Sudanese nationals in Jazira State are sparking violence in South Sudan where there were protests and heavy gunfire in the capital Juba on 17 January with a national wide curfew imposed.

Reports of attacks against entire communities based on perceived identity are coming from Wad Madani and surrounding areas. Many videos of the violence are being shared on social media with racial slurs and dehumanising hate speech used in the presence of men in military uniforms.

We would like to reiterate the call from the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Nkweta-Salami on 15 January strongly denouncing this violence, calling for the cessation of hostilities and urging leaders to take inclusive steps to build a lasting peace that the people of Sudan so desperately need.

Hate-based revenge, prejudice and blaming will only lead to further grievances and cycles of violence.

We appeal to the conscience of every individual: to not allow past grievances to dictate the future. The people of Jazira State, of Darfur and across Sudan have endured great hardships, now is the time to build peace and for revenge to stop. All actors should unite against prejudice and not take sides, taking a stand against hate and revenge against civilians.

With the undersigned organisations call upon,

National and community leaders in Sudan and international champions to:

• • • speak out against all atrocities committed against civilians in Jazeera State and across Sudan; and to
    • take a stand against and condemn discrimination, hate and identity-based violence that is contributing to cycles of violence.

All parties to prioritize justice through lawful and peaceful means and to promote the rebuilding of communities and social cohesion.

Signatories:

African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)

Afro Legal Aid Centre

AWAFY

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Darfur Advocacy Group

Darfur Bar Association

Fikra for Studies and Development

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

Human Rights Association (جمعية حقوق الإنسان)

PAEMA (formerly Never Again Coalition)

Partners in Development Services (PDS- Sudan)

People to People

Project Expedite Justice

REDRESS

Rights for Peace

Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA)

Sudan Human Rights Hub (SHRH)

Sudanese Human Rights Monitor (SHRM)

Sudan Transparency & Policy Tracker (STPT)

Sudan Unlimited

Survivors for 15 April War Initiative

Synergy for Justice Stichting

United Against Inhumanity

Waging Peace

Youth Citizens Observers Network (YCON)