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Combatants (International law)

Grave Atrocities and Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan's El Fasher

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The situation in El Fasher, the Darfuri regional capital, is deteriorating rapidly, with reports of summary executions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has received reports of civilians trying to escape the last Sudanese military government stronghold being killed, with indications of ethnic motivations for the killings. The humanitarian situation in Sudan is already dire, with over 12 million people displaced or stateless and more than 24 million hungry, making it one of the world's most severe crises. The international community is urged to take urgent and concrete action to protect civilians and ensure safe passage for those trying to reach relative safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is reportedly carrying out summary executions of civilians trying to escape El Fasher, including those with ethnic motivations.
  • Over 12 million people are displaced or stateless in Sudan, and more than 24 million are hungry, making it one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
  • The UN human rights chief, Volker TÈ­rk, has warned that the risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day.
  • Hundreds of people, including a journalist, have reportedly been detained while trying to flee El Fasher.
  • Civilians have been killed due to heavy artillery shelling, and humanitarian workers, including volunteers, have been targeted.
  • The RSF commanders have an obligation under international law to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance.
  • The international community is urged to call out countries interfering in the war and providing weapons to the warring parties, and to agree on a ceasefire.
  • Humanitarian organizations have been receiving adults and children who are dehydrated, malnourished, some injured, and all traumatized.

Statistics:

  • Over 12 million people are displaced or stateless in Sudan.
  • More than 24 million people are hungry in Sudan, making it one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
  • The humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated since the outbreak of conflict in 2023.
  • Nearly 130 aid workers have been killed since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
  • Only 27 per cent of the requested funding has been received by humanitarian organizations, hindering their ability to respond to the needs of people who are "traumatised, raped and starving."

Sources:

  • OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/pages/home.aspx)
  • United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com
  • UN Secretary-General AntÈþnio Guterres' statement on the situation in Sudan.

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