Systematic Violations and Their Impact on Trade Union Rights

Executive summary

Since the outbreak of war in Sudan on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese workers and trade unionists have faced an unprecedented humanitarian and professional crisis as a result of widespread violations targeting workplaces and trade union organizations.

The Sudanese Professionals and Syndicates Coordination (SPSC) has documented 454 serious violations against workers and trade unionists during the war period. However, field estimates suggest that the actual number of victims exceeds

several thousand, due to challenges in documentation and fear of reporting amid severe security restrictions imposed by executive and military authorities.

These violations have resulted in a near-total paralysis of independent trade union activity and a significant deterioration in workers’ economic and social conditions. They also constitute a clear breach of Sudan’s obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and international human rights treaties.

This report comes at one of the most critical periods in Sudan’s modern history, as the war has caused an unprecedented deterioration in humanitarian, economic, and social conditions. Workers and trade unionists are among the groups most severely affected by the consequences of this conflict.

Workplaces and productive institutions have been destroyed or forced to shut down, millions of workers have lost their sources of income, and many trade unionists have been subjected to various forms of violations targeting their right to organize and defend workers’ interests. These violations include killings and direct targeting, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, threats and security persecution, as well as smear campaigns and cyber harassment—particularly targeting women trade unionists and anti-war workers.

Through this updated report, the Sudanese Professionals and Syndicates Coordination seeks to shed light on the realities faced by workers and trade unionists in Sudan during the war and to document the violations committed against them as a necessary step toward achieving justice and accountability.

The report also highlights the vital role that the Sudanese trade union movement can play in supporting peace efforts and rebuilding the state on the foundations of social justice and democracy.

1.Scope of the Report

This report focuses on documenting and analyzing violations against workers and trade unionists in Sudan during the war, with particular emphasis on violations targeting trade union rights and freedom of association.

The report covers the period from August 2025 to March 2026.

It does not claim to document all violations due to security constraints, limited access to many conflict areas, and fear of reporting. However, it aims to provide as comprehensive and evidence-based a picture as possible of the main patterns of violations and their impact on the trade union movement.

Key Indicators on the Situation of Workers and Trade Unionists in Sudan:

Total documented violations: 454 cases
Estimated actual number of victims: Several thousand workers

Reporting period: August 2025 – March 2026

●Violations during the reporting period: 164 cases

Most Affected Sectors:

Health sector
Education and higher education
Transport and services
Media sector
Public sector and civil service
Legal sector

Main Patterns of Violations:

Killings and direct targeting
Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance
Torture and ill-treatment
Threats and security harassment
Arbitrary dismissal and wage withholding
Confiscation of trade union property
Gender-based violence
Cyber harassment and digital defamation

Main Impacts:

Near-total paralysis of trade union activity
Disintegration of trade union structures
Displacement of trade union leaders
Increased risk of economic exploitation

2.General Context

Since the outbreak of war, Sudan has experienced a widespread collapse of state institutions and economic and service infrastructure.

Military operations have led to:

Destruction of workplaces
Shutdown of large segments of the economy and services
Displacement of millions
Loss of income for millions of workers

Authorities have also issued decisions dissolving trade union executive bodies and replacing them with appointed committees aligned with military authorities through the Registrar of Trade Union Organizations, thereby undermining trade union independence.

3.Patterns of Documented Violations

3.1Killings and Direct Targeting

Workers in the health, education, transport, media, humanitarian, and human rights sectors have been directly targeted.

3.2Arbitrary Detention and Enforced Disappearance

Workers and trade unionists have been detained without judicial warrants and held in undisclosed locations.

3.3Torture and Ill-Treatment

Some detainees were subjected to physical and psychological torture, with some dying shortly after release due to its effects.

3.4Threats and Security Persecution

Many trade union leaders have faced death threats and security summons, forcing some to flee or leave the country.

3.5Arbitrary Dismissal and Economic Violations

Thousands of workers have been dismissed or deprived of salaries and pensions. Monthly deductions have also been imposed to support the war effort.

3.6Confiscation and Destruction of Trade Union Property

Trade union offices have been raided, seized, or converted into military facilities. Funds have been confiscated in coordination with authorities and redirected to support the war effort.

3.7Gender-Based Violence

Women workers and trade unionists have faced harassment, sexual violence, sexual slavery, and legal persecution.

3.8Cyber Harassment and Digital Defamation

Online smear campaigns and incitement have targeted trade unionists, particularly women and anti-war workers.

3.9Cross-Border Violations Against Exiled Trade Unionists

Trade unionists abroad have faced threats, physical violence, and harassment linked to their advocacy work.

4.Impact on Workers and the Trade Union Movement

These violations have resulted in:

Near-total paralysis of trade union activity
Collapse of organizational structures
Increased economic exploitation
Deterioration of living conditions
Exclusion of workers from decision-making processes

5.Legal Analysis

These violations constitute breaches of international law, including:

Articles 2 and 3 of ILO Convention No. 87
ILO Convention No. 98
ILO Convention No. 29
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) They also constitute violations of international humanitarian law.

6.Risks of Continued Weakening of the Trade Union Movement

The continued targeting of independent trade unions poses broader risks, including:

Increased societal fragility and risk of renewed conflict
Escalation of economic exploitation
Exclusion of workers from decision-making processes
Reproduction of authoritarian structures
Threats to post-war reconstruction and development

7.Recommendations

The SPSC calls for:

Immediate release of all detained workers and trade unionists
Deployment of ILO fact-finding missions
Clear condemnation of repression against trade unions
Reversal of decisions undermining trade union independence
Support for affected and displaced workers
Establishment of international protection mechanisms
Support for rebuilding independent trade unions

8.Call for International Solidarity

International labor solidarity is critical to protecting workers’ rights and supporting peace efforts in Sudan.

The SPSC calls on global trade unions to:

1.Strengthen International Solidarity

Condemn repression
Issue clear solidarity statements
Prioritize Sudan in union agendas
Launch international advocacy campaigns

2.Advocate for International Labor Standards

Increase pressure to end the war
Highlight violations at all levels
Demand compliance with ILO conventions
Support accountability efforts

3.Support Affected Workers

Provide humanitarian assistance
Offer training and capacity-building programs
Support protection initiatives, particularly for women

4.Rebuild Independent Trade Unions

Provide technical support

Support institutional capacity-building
Strengthen international partnerships

Conclusion

The crisis facing Sudanese workers and trade unionists represents a critical test of the international community’s commitment to social justice and human rights.

Protecting freedom of association and workers’ rights is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable peace in Sudan.

The Sudanese Professionals and Syndicates Coordination affirms that Sudan’s future cannot be built without the active participation of workers and their independent unions in shaping economic and social policies, as well as in peacebuilding and reconstruction processes.

International labor solidarity remains essential in supporting Sudanese workers in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and social justice.

 

Prepared by: Narmeen Nasur Executive Office

Web: SPSC