The US Congress is considering two pieces of legislation aimed at expanding Washington’s role in efforts to end the war in Sudan, with Human Rights Watch urging lawmakers to strengthen accountability provisions in both bills.
The Senate proposal focuses on preventing foreign interference and further escalation of the conflict, while the House bill seeks to increase US involvement in Sudanese peace efforts.
Both measures would require the US administration to identify the activities of foreign governments inside Sudan and determine whether their conduct violates the United Nations arms embargo.
The House legislation would prohibit the sale of major defence equipment to any government found to be supplying weapons to either the Sudanese Armed Forces or the Rapid Support Forces, except where exemptions are deemed necessary for US national security.
It would also authorise Washington to support a United Nations, African Union or multinational force operating inside Sudan. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly called for the deployment of an international force to help protect civilians.
The two bills would also strengthen the role of the US special envoy for Sudan and give the administration broader authority to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for serious violations.
Human Rights Watch said it had documented widespread abuses by both sides, including attacks on civilians, extensive sexual violence attributed to the RSF and evidence of ethnic cleansing in West Darfur.
In an article published by the organisation, Nicholas Freund said measures taken by the US administration, including sanctions against both parties to the conflict, had so far failed to halt atrocities or significantly improve humanitarian conditions.
The organisation urged Congress to introduce tougher provisions to ensure a comprehensive accountability strategy, including greater support for ongoing investigations into serious international crimes.
It also called on lawmakers to direct the US administration to support the collection and preservation of evidence so it can be used in future accountability proceedings and efforts to secure justice for victims.
Human Rights Watch said the adoption of the proposed legislation could give Congress a pivotal role in shaping the US response to Sudan’s deepening human rights crisis.
