Statement of Condemnation and Strong Denunciation: Airstrike Targeting Civilians in Shirshar Area, North Kordofan State

The International Coalition for Human Rights Organizations expresses its strongest condemnation and profound concern over the horrific aerial attack that targeted unarmed civilians in the Shirshar area, located within the West Bara locality of North Kordofan State.

This dangerous escalation represents a flagrant assault on the right to life and a grave violation of the principles and rules of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Based on consistent testimonies and documented information gathered and verified by the Coalition, a military Antonov aircraft reportedly took off from Wadi Seidna Air Base on 29 July 2026 at approximately 13:30 local time. At around 14:20, the aircraft was observed flying over North Kordofan State in the direction of the West Bara locality, followed by a series of aerial strikes that directly targeted the Shirshar area.

The strikes resulted in civilian casualties. Photographs and video footage reviewed in connection with the incident reportedly show deeply distressing and disturbing scenes of civilian victims, including women and children.

In light of these grave violations and attacks affecting civilian lives and populated areas, the International Coalition for Human Rights Organizations calls for the following urgent measures:

• We categorically call upon the Independent Fact-Finding Mission to gain immediate and unhindered access to the sites of the attacks, collect and preserve relevant evidence, document the circumstances surrounding the incident and interview survivors and witnesses.
• We stress the urgent need to establish legal and criminal responsibility for any violations committed against civilians, in accordance with applicable international law and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that impunity is not allowed to prevail.
• We call upon all parties to the conflict to strictly uphold the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants and to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects from the effects of military operations.
• We urge local residents, survivors, humanitarian workers, and other relevant actors to preserve any physical or digital evidence related to the incident, where doing so can be undertaken safely.
• We further emphasize the importance of preserving the integrity of the attack sites, avoiding any unnecessary disturbance or alteration of evidence where safe and practicable, and documenting relevant facts through available means in order to support future accountability and justice processes.
• The deliberate or indiscriminate targeting of civilians can never be justified on military or political grounds.
• The protection of civilian life is an obligation under international law and violations must be subject to effective investigation and accountability.

The International Coalition for Human Rights Organizations reaffirms its commitment to monitoring and documenting violations, following developments related to this incident and supporting efforts aimed at ensuring justice, accountability and effective remedies for the victims and their families.

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THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Advancing Human Rights • Peace • Justice

Brussels, 31 July 2026