Joint Statement: The International Coalition of Human Rights Organizations Strongly Condemns SAF Drone Attacks on Al-Zawiya Ghara Village in North Darfur

The International Coalition of Human Rights Organizations vehemently condemns the devastating drone strikes conducted by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on 2 August 2026 at the village of Al-Zawiya Ghara, located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Kabkabiya, North Darfur.

According to the verified field reports, the aerial bombardment directly targeted densely populated civilian areas, resulting in more than 40 casualties, including deaths and severe injuries among innocent civilians, alongside widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and forced displacement.

Among the confirmed casualties and victims identified thus far are:

• Ahmed Bakhit
• Alzain Alnour
• Abdallah Jad Alrab
• Aldoud Alnadeef
• Elnour Saeed Gibril

This devastating assault underscores a horrific escalation in the reckless deployment of armed drones in civilian settlements, reflecting a profound disregard for fundamental human rights and international legal frameworks.

Legal Obligations Under International Law

The Coalition emphasizes that under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) — in particular Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and Customary IHL — as well as International Human Rights Law (IHRL):

Strict Principle of Distinction: All parties to a conflict must continuously distinguish between civilians and combatants. Directing attacks against civilian populations and non-military objects is strictly prohibited and constitutes a war crime.

Failure of Precautionary Measures: The launch of high-explosive drone munitions into residential areas demonstrates a blatant failure to observe the principles of distinction, necessity, and proportionality, exposing non-combatants to horrific harm.

Urgent Demands

The Coalition urgently calls upon the international community, the United Nations Security Council, and relevant global bodies to act immediately on the following:

Immediate Halt to Airstrikes: The Sudanese Armed Forces must instantly cease all unlawful airstrikes, artillery shelling, and drone operations targeting populated villages and civilian infrastructure throughout North Darfur and across Sudan.

Independent International Investigation: A swift, impartial, and independent international investigation into the massacre at Al-Zawiya Ghara must be launched to identify perpetrators, commanders, and key decision-makers, ensuring they are held accountable before international justice mechanisms.

Protection of Civilians & Humanitarian Corridors: All warring factions must honor their legal obligations to safeguard civilian lives and guarantee immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to provide urgent medical and relief assistance to the survivors in North Darfur.

The ongoing atrocities against civilians in Darfur cannot be met with international silence. Impunity must end, and those responsible for ordering and executing attacks against civilian populations will ultimately be brought to justice.

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THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Advancing Human Rights • Peace • Justice

Geneva / Brussels / New York, 3 August 2026