Pax Christi International welcomes the European Parliament’s recent statement warning that the atrocities committed in Sudan may constitute genocide. The Parliament’s clear condemnation of attacks on civilians, its call for accountability for all parties to the conflict, and its insistence on unhindered humanitarian access represent an important acknowledgement of the gravity of the crisis.

This strong political signal is urgently needed. For more than a year, communities across Sudan have faced mass displacement, targeted violence, particularly ethnically based, including horrific sexual violence used as a tool of war, widespread hunger, and deliberate attacks on health facilities and humanitarian workers. Recognising the scale and nature of these abuses is a crucial step toward mobilising an international response that meets the magnitude of the crisis.

At the same time, we believe further measures are essential if the international community is to help end the suffering and support a sustainable, just peace. These include:

  • A nationwide ceasefire that immediately halts violence against civilians.
  • Guaranteed safe corridors for displaced communities, humanitarian workers, and medical personnel.
  • An end to all external interference and arms transfers that continue to fuel the conflict.
  • Meaningful recognition and support for Sudanese civil society, especially women, youth, faith actors, and community peacebuilders, whose leadership is indispensable for any inclusive political transition.
  • A long-term commitment to justice, reconciliation, and the protection of human dignity throughout the country.

The European Parliament’s statement is a valuable and necessary step. But to protect lives and uphold fundamental human rights, it must be followed by coordinated, concrete action from the European Union and the wider international community.

Sudan’s people deserve more than expressions of concern: they deserve decisive efforts aimed at ending violence, addressing the humanitarian catastrophe, and opening the path toward a just and lasting peace.