Published at LinkedIn on Wed 15 July 2026 - full copy:
Sudan’s vast natural resources should benefit its people. Instead, they are being misused to drive conflict and undermine human rights, bringing pain and suffering on an enormous scale.
The war economy is now helping to sustain the three-year-long conflict. Our new report warns that this poses serious human rights risks across commodities, trade routes and value chains. It calls on companies dealing with Sudanese products to conduct strict due diligence to ensure compliance with international law.
The report focuses on the trade in gum arabic – a key ingredient in soft drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It finds that many of those who depend on this commodity for a living have been subjected to arbitrary detention, looting, threats, and extortion by the parties to the conflict and associated groups.
I urge States and companies dealing with Sudanese products to strengthen accountability, traceability, and regulatory oversight. International human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, provide a framework for action.
Companies cannot continue business as usual when sourcing their products from a war zone.
Briefing Paper
Business and Human Rights in Conflict: Gum Arabic from Sudan
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