UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Large-Scale Attack in Sudan's North Darfur State

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker TÈ­rk, expressed outrage at the large-scale attack by the Rapid Support Forces on the besieged city of El Fasher and the adjoining Abu Shouk camp for the internally displaced, which left scores of civilians dead. Preliminary information obtained by the UN Human Rights Office indicates that at least 57 civilians were killed in the 11 August attack on El Fasher, including 40 internally displaced people in Abu Shouk camp. The Office is also following up on allegations of executions of IDPs in the camp during the attack. The UN Human Rights Chief reiterated his call on all parties to take urgent measures to ensure the protection of civilians, including safe passage out of conflict-affected areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rapid Support Forces launched a large-scale attack on the besieged city of El Fasher and the adjoining Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people, resulting in the deaths of at least 57 civilians, including 40 IDPs.
  • The UN Human Rights Office is investigating allegations of executions of IDPs in Abu Shouk camp during the attack.
  • The attack is the latest in a series of RSF assaults on camps for displaced people in and around El Fasher, with the Abu Shouk camp coming under attack at least 16 times between January and June, resulting in the deaths of at least 212 IDPs and 111 injuries.
  • The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker TÈ­rk, has expressed outrage at the attack and reiterated his call for all parties to take urgent measures to protect civilians, including safe passage out of conflict-affected areas.
  • The Chief has also urged third States to use their influence to put an end to these violations and called for those responsible to be brought to account.

Statistics:

  • Number of civilians killed in the 11 August attack: at least 57
  • Number of internally displaced people killed in the attack: 40
  • Number of times Abu Shouk camp was attacked by RSF between January and June: at least 16
  • Number of IDPs killed in these attacks: at least 212
  • Number of IDPs injured in these attacks: 111

Sources:

  • United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
  • Preliminary information obtained by the UN Human Rights Office