A US envoy on Tuesday called on the warring parties in Sudan to strictly adhere to a newly proposed code of conduct aimed at curbing widespread abuses.
The code, which includes pledges to refrain from violence against women and the destruction of crops, has already been signed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The United States convened talks in Geneva earlier this month to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
While progress was made on aid access, a lasting ceasefire remains elusive.
US negotiator Tom Perriello revealed that the code of conduct has also been presented to the Sudanese army, which did not participate in the Geneva talks. He expressed hope that the army would respond positively to the proposal in the coming days.
Perriello stressed the importance of enforcing the code at the rank-and-file level, noting that the goal is not merely a signature on paper but a behavior change.
He cited examples of rape, sexual slavery, exploitation, harassment, and indiscriminate shelling as abuses that must be addressed.
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, forced millions of people from their homes, and caused widespread hunger.