🔴 International Webinar Calls for an Independent Investigation into Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan

🔴 **International Webinar Calls for an Independent Investigation into Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan**

**Shahid Platform for Digital Evidence and Human Rights Documentation** participated in an international webinar examining growing allegations of chemical weapons use in the Sudanese conflict. The event brought together international experts and representatives of human rights organizations and human rights defenders’ networks from several countries.

The discussion addressed investigative reports published by France 24, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, alongside testimonies and information from inside Sudan concerning the alleged use of chlorine in improvised chemical weapons.

Experts stressed that the Chemical Weapons Convention imposes an absolute prohibition on using chemicals as a method of warfare and provides no exceptions, including claims of self-defence. They further noted that Sudan is a State Party to the Convention and is legally bound by its provisions. If substantiated, the use of such weapons could constitute a violation of international law and international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime.

Participants called for a comprehensive and independent international investigation led by the **Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)**, in coordination with the United Nations. They emphasized the need to ensure safe and unrestricted access to alleged incident sites, victims, and relevant records, and to collect samples and other evidence in accordance with forensic standards that preserve their integrity and legal admissibility.

In its intervention, Shahid Platform explained that it faces considerable difficulties in accessing victims and locations under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces where these weapons may have been used. It also highlighted the grave security risks that local investigation teams could face, particularly in light of the SAF’s lack of cooperation with international investigative bodies.

By contrast, the Platform stated that it had received cooperation from the Rapid Support Forces in facilitating access to areas reportedly targeted and in enabling interviews with victims. Shahid is currently preparing to conduct fieldwork in accordance with professional standards governing the collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence and testimony.

Experts warned that a failure to investigate and ensure accountability could encourage the repeated use of chemical weapons in Sudan and other conflicts, particularly given the relative ease and low cost of producing improvised chemical weapons and the widespread availability of information about their construction.

The webinar concluded that protecting civilians and ending their suffering must take precedence over states’ political and economic interests. It called upon the international community to use all available legal and diplomatic mechanisms to secure an effective investigation, hold accountable anyone proven responsible, and prevent impunity.

**Shahid Platform for Digital Evidence and Human Rights Documentation**
*Truth is the right of every victim—and documentation is the path to justice.*

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