RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUDAN IN THE PROTECTION OFCULTURAL OBJECTS UNDER THE 1945 HAGUE CONVENTIONDURING ARMED CONFLICT Armed Conflict; CulturalHeritage; StateResponsibility

Abstract

The armed conflict in Sudan since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused serious damage to cultural objects and historical heritage. This study aims to analyze Sudan's state responsibilities under the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict, particularly regarding legal compliance, implementation barriers, and international accountability. The method used is normative legal research with legislative, conceptual, and case-based approaches, through a review of international conventions, UNESCO documents, and reports from relevant international institutions. The results show that although Sudan has ratified the 1954 Hague Convention and is involved in various cultural heritage protection initiatives, the implementation of these obligations has not been effective. Various violations continue to occur, including the looting of national museums, the destruction of archaeological sites, and the illegal trade in cultural artifacts. This condition is influenced by weak institutional capacity, an unstable security situation, the low priority of cultural protection amidst the humanitarian crisis, and suboptimal national and international legal mechanisms. Strengthening national capacity, international cooperation, and clearer accountability mechanisms are needed to support cultural heritage protection in Sudan