“24” Countries Warn of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Sudan

Twenty-four European and Western countries expressed their concern over the continued killing of civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and the targeting of humanitarian missions in Sudan, calling on the Sudanese Army and the “Rapid Support Forces” (RSF) to stop the fighting.

In a joint statement, they pointed out that airstrikes and drone attacks on displaced persons, health facilities, and food convoys have caused a large number of civilian deaths and injuries and obstructed the arrival of humanitarian aid.

They stated that deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers or their vehicles constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.

The statement emphasized the need for a rapid and independent investigation into the violations and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

It confirmed that the states of Darfur (West) and South Kordofan are experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, noting the occurrence of famine and sexual violence, in addition to the displacement of 100,000 people in Kordofan alone during recent months.

The countries called on the RSF and the Sudanese Army to respect international humanitarian law and allow rapid and safe access for food, medicine, and essential supplies to civilians, while specifically protecting women and girls and ensuring safe passage for the displaced.

In a related context, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his concern over reports of the killing of more than 50 civilians in drone strikes in Sudan last Sunday and Monday.

Türk called on all parties to stop the ongoing attacks, stressing the need to take urgent measures to protect civilians, including “refraining from using civilians for military purposes.”