UN Stresses Need to Investigate Violations in Sudan and Hold Perpetrators Accountable

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned of escalating hostilities against civilians in several areas of North Darfur and Kordofan, including acts of sexual violence, abductions, and looting.

Türk highlighted that the recent fighting and the looming threat of an intensifying deadly conflict raise serious protection concerns amid a culture of impunity for human rights violations. He stressed that everyone is aware of the consequences of further escalation and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians, investigate violations and crimes, and hold perpetrators accountable.

He also called on the warring parties to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians from El-Fasher, Al-Debeibat, El-Obeid, and other besieged areas, to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure, and to end hostilities.

The UN official urged all states to use their influence to push for a lasting political solution, ensure that parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law, halt the flow of weapons into the country, and curb commercial interests fueling the conflict.

Türk noted that the recent RSF assault on El-Fasher is reminiscent of its storming of Zamzam Camp last April, which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians, widespread sexual violence, and a humanitarian disaster.

He further explained that the battle for control over Al-Debeibat in South Kordofan has left civilians trapped in the town, while the RSF continues to besiege El-Obeid in North Kordofan, warning of the dangers of an impending attack on the city.