According to the ICRC, more than 8,000 missing-person cases have been recorded during the war, although the organization said it had resolved over 1,000 cases and declined to specify how many involved people found alive or deceased.

Many of those missing in Khartoum state are believed to be among the thousands of bodies discovered in makeshift graves after the army regained control of the capital from RSF fighters last year. During intense fighting, residents often buried the dead near homes, roadsides and public spaces because access to cemeteries was too dangerous.

Associated Press reporters visiting Khartoum last month observed improvised burial sites in sports fields and other urban areas, with many graves lacking identification markers. A military media representative accompanied the reporting team during the visit.

Khartoum state authorities have relocated nearly 30,000 bodies from an estimated 50,000 hastily dug graves scattered across the region, according to forensic officials. The reburial effort remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the dead.

Hisham Zienalabdien, director general of Khartoum state’s forensic medicine department, said approximately 10% of recovered bodies remain unidentified. Authorities are preserving DNA samples from those remains in hopes that future testing will allow relatives to confirm identities.

Efforts to identify victims have been hampered by extensive wartime destruction. Laboratories that could conduct DNA analysis have been damaged or destroyed, while many forensic specialists have fled the country or are no longer able to work.

The uncertainty has left thousands of families searching for answers. Relatives continue visiting hospitals, morgues, detention centers and military facilities in attempts to locate loved ones who disappeared during military operations, displacement or detention.

Humanitarian organizations say the psychological burden of not knowing whether relatives are alive or dead has compounded the suffering caused by conflict and displacement. The ICRC said families of missing persons face heightened vulnerabilities stemming from ongoing hostilities and prolonged uncertainty.

The war has also complicated traditional burial practices. In many cases, families have been unable to retrieve or properly bury relatives killed during fighting, forcing communities to conduct emergency burials near homes and neighborhoods.

Sudan’s conflict has generated one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with widespread destruction, mass displacement and severe disruptions to public services across large parts of the country.

This year’s event marked the first time that the Kingdom hosted the prestigious global workshop, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership role in promoting peace, justice, and humanitarian values on the international stage.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Defense’s National Defense University in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, along with 125 senior military officers representing 90 different countries.

The large international turnout underscored the significance of the Kingdom’s role as a global convener in matters related to military ethics, humanitarian conduct, and international law.

In his address, Lt. Gen. Al-Ruwaili emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains deeply dedicated to respecting, promoting, and strengthening the principles of international humanitarian law across all military operations.

He noted that the Kingdom’s leadership attaches great importance to ensuring that military conduct aligns with the highest ethical and humanitarian standards.

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has enacted comprehensive legislation that criminalizes violations of the laws of war and promotes accountability through a robust legal and institutional framework, including the establishment of specialized courts to handle such matters.

Al-Ruwaili highlighted that the Kingdom was among the first nations to accede to the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to international humanitarian principles.

He added that these commitments are rooted in the tolerant and compassionate teachings of Islamic Shariah, which emphasize mercy, justice, and humane treatment even during times of conflict.

The Chief of the General Staff also explained that the Ministry of Defense has taken significant steps to integrate the principles of humanitarian law into military education and training programs.

These efforts ensure that all members of the armed forces understand and apply international legal standards in their operations.

He mentioned that the ministry offers a wide range of specialized training programs, many of which are conducted in close cooperation with the ICRC.

Such initiatives aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global example in implementing and training personnel in the practical application of international humanitarian law.

Al-Ruwaili further stressed that the Kingdom’s humanitarian commitment extends far beyond the military sphere.

He pointed to the ongoing efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which provides assistance to people affected by conflicts and natural disasters around the world.

Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate compassion and solidarity with communities in need, reinforcing its position as a leading contributor to global humanitarian causes.

In her remarks, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger expressed appreciation to the Kingdom for hosting the event and for its continued partnership with the ICRC.

She stated that the workshop comes at a crucial time when the world is witnessing a rise in both the number and intensity of conflicts, which in turn puts immense pressure on the systems and laws designed to protect civilians.

Egger emphasized that all nations share a responsibility to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, noting that its implementation is vital to preserving human dignity during times of war.

The workshop serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of expertise among military leaders and humanitarian law specialists from around the world.

By hosting this important event, Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its role as a responsible global partner committed to promoting peace, stability, and the rule of law.

The Kingdom’s efforts to embed humanitarian values within its defense and foreign policy reflect its vision for a more just and humane international order — one that safeguards human life, dignity, and mutual respect across all nations.