The persecution of Christians in Sudan has been highlighted in a report submitted to the Human Rights Council. Assessed every four years for the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), civil society groups and organisations invited to provide input. Organisations who participated in the process include the World Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors International, and Christian Solidarity International.

Key human rights concerns from Sudan, were covered in the report. Some of the most concerning violations are the numerous attacks on Christians during armed conflict, gender-based and sexual violence, attacks on places of worship and violations of the right to religious education as well as discrimination in aid access faced by Christians. The report also highlighted the concerning exclusion of religious leaders and local peace actors from peace processes.

Recommendations from the report are that Sudan should:

Immediately cease attacks against civilians and civilian objects and ensure unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country in accordance with international humanitarian law and without discrimination on the basis of religion or belief. Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has further exacerbated violations, resulting in widespread civilian harm, displacement, and collapse of essential services. Both groups have been implicated in attacks on civilians. Religious leaders have been harassed, abducted, or detainedThey are also both reported to have pressured Christians into supporting them.

Protect the right to freedom of religion or belief and take measures to prevent violence, discrimination, and attacks against Christians and other religious minorities, including attacks on places of worship. Reports from Kadugli and El Obeid indicate that military forces have taken over some church premises for military purposes such as positioning vehicles and equipment.

Amend or repeal provisions of the 1991 Penal Code and related legislation that are inconsistent with Sudan’s international human rights obligations, including provisions that enable discrimination against Christians and other religious minorities. Reports indicate that, in some areas of Darfur, criminal complaints have been filed against Christian converts from Islam under the repealed apostasy provision. While these cases did not proceed to trial, the individuals concerned were reportedly detained, raising concerns about the implementation of legal reforms at the local level.

Strengthen measures to prevent and address gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators and support for survivors. Since 2023, sexual violence has been used systematically by armed actors, including rape and sexual slavery. There have been attacks on health facilities supporting survivors of sexual violence. In Sudan, Christian women and girls, particularly ethnic Africans and converts, face heightened risks of sexual violence, domestic violence, abduction, and forced marriage.