Press Statement
International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD)
Brussels – 19 July 2025
The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) welcomes the European Council’s adoption of the fourth package of sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for grave human rights violations and destabilising actions in Sudan. This decision represents a significant step toward accountability and justice for the Sudanese people, and we view it as a direct extension and tangible outcome of our persistent advocacy efforts within EU institutions. For over a year, IFRD has consistently engaged with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and civil society to highlight the need for strong, targeted measures against those fueling violence and obstructing peace in Sudan.
We particularly commend the decision to sanction individuals involved in atrocities in Al-Jazirah and Darfur, as well as entities that have facilitated financial and logistical support for these crimes. These measures send a strong signal that impunity will not be tolerated.
However, while we welcome this principled stance, we express concern and confusion over the apparent contradiction in EU policy regarding the United Arab Emirates. The European Commission is currently pursuing the delisting of the UAE from the EU’s anti-money laundering high-risk third countries list, despite the Council’s decision to sanction a Dubai-based entity, Alkhaleej Bank, for its role in financing armed groups in Sudan. This inconsistency undermines the EU’s credibility and raises serious questions about the coherence of its approach to financial crime and international justice.
We urge the Commission to clarify its position and ensure that the EU’s external actions reflect a unified and uncompromising stance against money laundering, conflict financing, and human rights violations—regardless of geopolitical considerations
