On 18 February 2025, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a stark report on Sudan, highlighting a grave and deteriorating human rights situation as conflict spreads throughout the nation. Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for OHCHR, underscored the urgent need for international accountability in response to the escalating violence and enduring impunity that perpetuates widespread human rights abuses. The report catalogues targeted attacks on civilians, particularly in densely populated areas including schools, health facilities, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, revealing the brutal disregard for humanitarian laws by conflicting parties.
Among the most alarming findings was the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, with Li Fung, head of the UN Human Rights Office in Sudan, reporting 152 documented incidents by late December 2024, affecting at least 251 victims. Most cases involved gang rape, and rampant under-reporting was noted due to the stigma and fears surrounding such crimes. The rising trend of conflict-related sexual violence illustrates a chilling tactic, sowing fear and exerting control over communities amidst the chaos of civil clashes.
The report also revealed troubling patterns of disappearances and arbitrary detentions, marking a decline in civic freedoms amid a fraught security landscape. With the beginning of 2025, the violence has intensified, presenting a dire situation for civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing warfare. Shamdasani called for urgent actions from the international community, including extending arms embargos and enhancing the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to cover all of Sudan, beyond Darfur alone.
As Sudan grapples with its worst displacement crisis in recorded history, the alarming figures indicate that over 4,200 civilians were killed amidst hostilities in 2024 alone. Furthermore, the humanitarian fallout is profound, with ongoing battles exacerbating an unprecedented food security crisis, as half of the population faces acute hunger. As the UN advocates for accountability irrespective of ranks, the call resonates for an immediate and robust international response to ameliorate the dire situation afflicting countless Sudanese families trapped in violence.
The OHCHR’s report on Sudan, released on 18 February 2025, reveals a severe human rights crisis marked by escalating violence and widespread abuses. Key issues include targeted attacks on civilians, pervasive use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and alarming trends in disappearances and detentions. The report calls for enhanced international accountability and urgent actions to protect victims and uphold humanitarian laws.
In summary, the report by OHCHR paints a harrowing picture of the human rights landscape in Sudan, characterised by widespread violence, entrenched impunity, and systematic abuses. The urgent need for international accountability and intervention is clear, as civilians remain the primary victims in this ongoing conflict. Emphasis on stopping sexual violence, protecting civilian lives, and establishing judicial measures is essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure justice for the affected populations.
Original Source: media.un.org
