Geneva, Switzerland – 22 September 2025
On the side-lines of the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, a powerful peaceful protest was held at Geneva’s United Nations Human Rights Square,
beneath the iconic Broken Chair monument. Entitled “Peace and Hope for Sudan,” the protest gathered dozens of members of the Sudanese diaspora, human rights defenders, civil
society representatives, and humanitarian advocates in a strong message of solidarity with the people of Sudan amid their ongoing suffering from the brutal conflict.
The demonstration aimed to highlight the grave violations committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces against civilians since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023. Participants
drew attention to crimes including indiscriminate attacks, war crimes, mass displacement, and the destruction of communities, all of which constitute blatant breaches of international
humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans calling for peace, international accountability, and an end to impunity. Speeches during the gathering underlined that
Sudanese culture represents resilience and unity, yet continues to face existential threats under the ongoing conflict, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden.
The choice of the Broken Chair, a global symbol of resistance to violence against civilians, sent a powerful message that the protection of human rights is inseparable from the
pursuit of peace.
In closing, participants appealed to the United Nations, governments, international organisations, and humanitarian agencies to urgently step up efforts to protect civilians,
support victims, and ensure accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allies. The protest also called for a just and lasting peace in Sudan, led by a democratically elected civilian government that reflects the will of the people.
