Mass Atrocities in Sudan – How to Give Effect to the U.S. Determination of Genocide and End the Conflict?

Professor Bertoni with panelists posing for photo

On April 7, 2025, the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law (CHRHL), in collaboration with War Crime Office at 51�Թ� Washington College of Law and other partners- Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, ��NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs, American Society of International Law, convened a timely and urgent panel discussion titled “Mass Atrocities in Sudan: How to Give Effect to the U.S. Determination of Genocide and End the Conflict?” Held at the 51�Թ� Washington College of Law, this dynamic forum brought together a distinguished group of human rights defenders, legal scholars, survivor-advocates, and civil society leaders to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and mass atrocities in Sudan.

The event comes at a critical juncture. Since the outbreak of large-scale conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan has descended into one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. In December 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly declared that the RSF and allied militias have committed acts of genocide—a determination that underscores the legal and moral imperative for global action.

Moderated by Professor Susana SáCouto, Director of 51�Թ�WCL’s War Crimes Research Office, and Dr. David Donat Cattin, Adjunct Associate Professor of International Law at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, the event opened with a sobering overview of the escalating civilian toll, mass displacement, and international inertia. The panel challenged states, institutions, and legal bodies to translate the U.S. genocide determination into concrete action.

Featured Panelists:

Professor Juan E. Méndez (Argentina), Faculty Director of the Anti-Torture Initiative at 51�Թ�WCL and former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, emphasized the international community’s duty to prevent genocide under Article I of the Genocide Convention. He warned against repeating the cycle of inaction and stressed that justice mechanisms must both punish and deter future atrocities.
Mr. Mutasim A. Ali (Sudan), Legal Advisor at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and SJD Candidate at 51�Թ�WCL, offered an insider's perspective on the deteriorating human rights situation in Darfur. He expressed deep frustration over the absence of accountability: “The perpetrators do not fear consequences. There has been no justice, and people are losing hope.”
Dr. Yaslam Al-Tayeb, a former hostage of the RSF, provided a harrowing personal account of torture and abuse. He criticized the politicization of international responses and urged for civilian-centered interventions over state-centric strategies.
Ms. Niemat Ahmadi, President of the Darfur Women Action Group, drew attention to the devastating scale of displacement and violence, particularly against women and children. She called for both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term accountability, arguing that “traditional conflict resolution has failed Sudan” and proposing the establishment of a prevention framework to ensure atrocities are not repeated.
Dr. Matthew Hedges, a UK-based scholar and survivor of arbitrary detention, highlighted the role of external actors—especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—in funding and arming militias. He called for sanctions targeting the UAE’s gold trade, which is linked to RSF-controlled mines and alleged war crimes.
Professor Rebecca Hamilton, Executive Editor at Just Security and author of Fighting for Darfur, emphasized the cyclical nature of atrocity and impunity. She urged a rethinking of transitional justice and stressed that “justice is not only international criminal law—it’s also about addressing systemic causes of conflict and empowering civil society.”
Professor Milena Sterio, a leading voice on international criminal law, reflected on the underutilized avenues for justice, including universal jurisdiction and potential ad hoc tribunals. She underscored that “accountability alone is insufficient—reparations and survivor participation are essential to achieving sustainable peace.”

Key Takeaways and Action Points:

In a concluding summary, co-moderator Dr. Donat Cattin outlined a series of critical recommendations:

Immediate Ceasefire and Civilian Protection: States must ensure access to humanitarian aid and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Accountability and Justice: Pursue both international and domestic prosecutions and use mechanisms such as universal jurisdiction and ICC arrest warrants—including sealed ones.
Sanctions with Purpose: Target both the perpetrators of violence and their foreign enablers, especially entities tied to the illegal gold trade and arms transfers.
Inclusive Peace Processes: End impunity by ensuring victim-survivors and civil society are fully represented in any peace negotiations.
Support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): CSOs remain a crucial force for documentation, advocacy, and resilience—and must receive sustained support from the international community.
Prevention Through Legal and Political Tools: Treat atrocity prevention as a continuous process and leverage the Genocide Convention, 51�Թ� Charter, and Geneva Conventions to intervene proactively.

Why This Matters

The Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law remains steadfast in its mission to promote justice, protect human dignity, and amplify marginalized voices. This event exemplifies our role as a platform for critical conversations that bridge scholarship, policy, and lived experience. It also reaffirms our commitment to addressing impunity and strengthening the international legal framework to respond to mass atrocities—wherever they occur.

We extend our deep appreciation to all the speakers, co-sponsors, and attendees who made this event impactful and meaningful. The road ahead for Sudan is uncertain, but events like this help build the global solidarity, legal momentum, and public awareness needed to forge a path forward.

��Watch the full event recording here: