Sudan: UN Human Rights Chief Warns of Catastrophic Surge in Violence

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has sounded the alarm on the escalating conflict in Sudan's North Darfur and Kordofan regions. Türk warned of the disastrous consequences of ongoing hostilities, citing reports of civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting. The RSF's recent attack on El Fasher, following a year-long siege, has led to hundreds of civilian deaths, widespread sexual violence, and a humanitarian catastrophe. Türk has urged the parties to protect civilians, investigate crimes, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• The RSF has reportedly surrounded the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan state, currently held by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied groups, and may attack it in the coming days.
• The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting in multiple areas across North Darfur and Kordofan regions.
• Türk has called on the parties to refrain from attacking civilian objects, lay down their weapons, and put an end to hostilities.
• He has urged all States to exert their influence to press for a durable political solution and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
• The RSF's recruitment of children has been reported in various areas, raising severe protection concerns.

Statistics:

• Reports of civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting have been documented in multiple areas across North Darfur and Kordofan regions.
• The RSF's attack on the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in April led to hundreds of civilian deaths and widespread sexual violence.
• The operation on El Fasher mirrors the RSF's offensive on the Zamzam camp, with reports of similar atrocities unfolding.

Sources:

• UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk's statement on June 15
• UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• APO Group
• M2 Communications
• M2 PressWIRE