Statement Regarding Allegations of Violations Against Civilians in North Kordofan

Date: Monday, 27 July 2026
Reference No.: SEP/PS/2026/027
Statement Regarding Allegations of Violations Against Civilians in North Kordofan
The Shahid Evidence Platform for Digital Evidence and Human Rights Documentation expresses its profound concern regarding circulating allegations of serious violations committed against civilians in several villages that have recently come under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Joint Forces, and the Sudan Shield Forces. These allegations reportedly stem from accusations that some residents had either cooperated with, or coexisted alongside, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the period in which those areas were under RSF control.
According to preliminary information currently in circulation, the allegations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, retaliatory attacks, and other abuses targeting civilians who are not participating in hostilities. These allegations warrant an urgent, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation to establish the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.
The Shahid Evidence Platform reiterates that all civilians are entitled to full protection under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Under no circumstances may civilians be held responsible for the presence of any armed group in their communities or for circumstances imposed upon them by the conflict. Likewise, acts of retaliation, collective punishment, or reprisals against civilian populations are strictly prohibited.
The Platform further warns against the recurrence of patterns similar to those previously associated with allegations of violations in other parts of Sudan, including Al Jazirah State, the Kanabi settlements, and other affected areas. It emphasizes that impunity encourages the repetition of violations and undermines the rule of law, accountability, and prospects for justice.
The Shahid Evidence Platform calls upon all military commanders and leaders of armed formations to:
• Issue clear and explicit orders prohibiting any retaliatory acts against civilians.
• Ensure full compliance with the rules of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
• Take immediate measures to halt any violations, investigate all reported incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their rank or affiliation.
• Facilitate unrestricted access for independent international and human rights organizations to affected areas in order to verify the facts.

Appeal to Citizens and Witnesses
The Shahid Evidence Platform calls upon all residents of the affected areas to document any violations or abuses in a professional and safe manner while prioritizing their personal security by following these guidelines:
1. Record the date, time, and precise geographic location of the incident whenever possible.
2. Capture evidence through photographs and videos without altering or editing the original files.
3. Preserve the original copies of all files and avoid compressing them or removing their metadata, whenever possible.
4. Record the names of witnesses or victims only after obtaining their informed consent, while fully respecting their privacy and security.
5. Document the nature of the alleged violation and identify the alleged perpetrating party, if known, while avoiding conclusions that are not supported by credible evidence.
6. Preserve any physical evidence without tampering with it whenever it is safe and feasible to do so.
7. Never place yourself or others at risk in order to obtain photographs, videos, or information.
The Platform reaffirms its readiness to provide technical and legal guidance on evidence documentation in accordance with internationally recognized standards and to receive reports and supporting evidence through its official communication channels. All submitted information will be handled with strict confidentiality, and the identities of witnesses and victims will be protected in accordance with internationally recognized witness and victim protection principles.
Conclusion
The Shahid Evidence Platform for Digital Evidence and Human Rights Documentation reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of all violations against civilians and urges the establishment of independent, impartial, and credible investigations into all allegations of abuses, regardless of the party allegedly responsible. Such investigations are essential to ensuring the protection of civilians, delivering justice for victims, strengthening accountability, and upholding the principle that no one should be above the law or exempt from accountability.
Issued by:
Shahid Evidence Platform
for Digital Evidence and Human Rights Documentation
For the Truth… and for Justice.