Dozens of Sudanese demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, calling for an international investigation into allegations that Sudan’s army used chemical weapons and urging an end to foreign military support fuelling the country’s war.
The protest, held near Geneva’s Broken Chair monument, drew dozens of participants, including women and children.
Demonstrators carried banners highlighting concerns over alleged chemical weapons use, the suffering of civilians, foreign involvement in the conflict and the risks posed by the continued flow of weapons into Sudan.
The rally coincided with the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which runs from September 7 to October 7, with organisers seeking to draw international attention to the experiences of Sudanese civilians as diplomatic discussions continue.
Concerns over chemical weapons featured prominently at the demonstration, with participants questioning whether the international response has been sufficient to establish what happened and prevent any further use of banned weapons.
“We are deeply alarmed by the use of chemical weapons,” one protester said. “The United States has determined that the Sudanese army used such weapons during the war, and we are puzzled that there has still been no independent international investigation.”
Washington announced on May 22, 2025, that it had determined Sudan’s government used chemical weapons during 2024 and imposed sanctions in response.
The Port Sudan authorities rejected the allegation, while the Sudanese army has continued to deny using chemical weapons in the conflict.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons told The National that several states had sought clarifications from Sudan and that the process remained ongoing. The organisation said its technical secretariat was prepared to provide additional assistance if formally requested.
Former international investigators also called for an independent inquiry during a seminar at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva last week, arguing that investigators should be granted access to sites of alleged attacks and allowed to conduct forensic and technical examinations.
They said an incident at the al-Jaili oil refinery in September 2024 contained what they described as strong circumstantial indicators warranting further investigation.
The Geneva demonstrators said an independent field investigation was essential to preserve evidence, establish responsibility and protect civilians from the risk of further alleged chemical weapons attacks.
They also urged international actors to address the broader flow of weapons and external military support that they said was prolonging Sudan’s conflict.
