Special Session on Human Rights in El Fasher
On November 7, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council announced that it will hold a special session on November 14 to address the “human rights situation in and around El Fasher,” which is located in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This decision comes as a response to the deteriorating conditions in the region, where reports of violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises continue to escalate.
The special session will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, a venue that has often been used for significant discussions on global human rights issues. The call for this session was initiated by an official request submitted on Wednesday by the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway. These countries have taken the lead in highlighting the urgent need for international attention on the situation in Sudan.
The request has received support from 24 member states of the 47-member council, which exceeds the one-third threshold (16 members) required to convene a special session. Additionally, 31 observer states have also expressed their backing for the initiative, indicating a broad-based concern among the international community about the unfolding events in Sudan.
This upcoming session marks the 38th special session of the Human Rights Council. Historically, the council has addressed the situation in Sudan on two previous occasions. The first was on November 5, 2021, and the second on May 11, 2023. These sessions were aimed at assessing the impact of the conflict on human rights and identifying ways to provide assistance to affected populations.
In preparation for the special session, the Human Rights Council was scheduled to hold an open-ended informative consultation later on Friday. This consultation was intended to discuss the organization and logistics of the session, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to facilitate a productive discussion.
The consultation was also set to follow an organizational meeting for the universal periodic review of the United States. However, this meeting would only proceed if the United States of America was not present in the room to participate. This arrangement highlights the procedural aspects of the council’s operations and the importance of having all relevant parties involved in such reviews.
Key Points of Discussion
-
Human Rights Concerns: The primary focus of the session will be on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher. This includes addressing issues such as violence against civilians, access to basic necessities, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
-
International Collaboration: The involvement of multiple countries in requesting the session underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex humanitarian crises. The support from 24 member states and 31 observer states reflects a unified stance on the need for action.
-
Historical Context: The previous special sessions on Sudan serve as a reference point for understanding the current situation. They highlight the recurring nature of the conflict and the persistent challenges faced by the population in the region.
-
Procedural Considerations: The open-ended informative consultation is a crucial step in ensuring that the special session is well-organized and effective. It allows for the discussion of logistical matters and the identification of key areas of focus.
-
Global Implications: The situation in Sudan has broader implications for global human rights standards and the role of the United Nations in addressing conflicts. The outcome of this session could influence future actions and policies related to humanitarian aid and conflict resolution.