National Commission for Human Rights of Sudan
NCHR Sudan
Summary
Sudan's National Commission for Human Rights was established by the Human Rights Commission Act 2012 as the country's Paris Principles–type NHRI, with a mandate to receive complaints from individuals alleging rights violations by public authorities including police, security services, and prison administrations. The NCHR could investigate, mediate, and recommend remedies but had no binding discipline or compulsory evidence access. It was accredited 'B' status by GANHRI (2022), reflecting its compromised independence under successive military-dominated governments. The Commission was effectively suspended following the October 2021 coup and has not resumed operations. As of May 2026, the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has destroyed or displaced the physical infrastructure of most federal institutions in Khartoum, making any resumption of the NCHR's mandate indeterminate.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Human Rights Commission Act 2012 (Sudan)
- Citation
- Human Rights Commission Act 2012, enacted by the National Legislature of Sudan; most recent GANHRI accreditation review concluded 2022 SCA session with 'B' status retained pending political normalization.
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National; statutory mandate to receive and investigate complaints of human rights violations by any public authority, including the Sudan Police Forces, National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS/GIS), and prison/detention administrations. Accredited 'B' status by GANHRI (2022). Non-functional since October 2021 coup; operations suspended.