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Human rights

UN High Commissioner Condemns Killing of Civilians in North Darfur

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned the killing and injuring of tens of civilians in El Fasher, North Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Turk criticized the RSF for ignoring repeated calls to protect civilians, instead causing harm, displacement, and suffering. The RSF's actions have led to the deaths of at least 53 civilians, including women and children, and have trapped hundreds of families within the besieged city, who are facing starvation, disease, and constant bombardment. The situation in Darfur has been marked by a long history of conflict, including mass killings, rape, and forced displacement, with the conflict beginning in 2003 between the Sudanese government and rebel groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 53 civilians, including women and children, were killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Friday.
  • The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the RSF's actions, stating that repeated calls to protect civilians have been ignored.
  • Hundreds of families remain trapped within the besieged city, facing starvation, disease, and constant bombardment.
  • The situation in Darfur has been marked by a long history of conflict, including mass killings, rape, and forced displacement.
  • The conflict began in 2003 between the Sudanese government and rebel groups, including the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
  • The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were formalized in 2013 from the Janjaweed militia, which was accused of atrocities during the conflict.
  • The UN High Commissioner has repeatedly cautioned that Darfur's civilians are at risk of mass atrocities if the siege continues.
  • The siege may qualify as a genocide under the Genocide Convention, as mass starvation can be considered a deliberate act with intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.

Statistics:

  • At least 53 civilians were killed by the RSF in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Friday.
  • Hundreds of families remain trapped within the besieged city, facing starvation, disease, and constant bombardment.
  • The conflict in Darfur has resulted in mass killings, rape, and forced displacement.
  • The conflict began in 2003 between the Sudanese government and rebel groups.

Sources:

  • (UN Human Rights)
  • (JURIST)
  • (Genocide Convention, Article II)

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