The UN human rights office (OHCHR) raised alarms on Tuesday about the escalating human rights abuses in Sudan, emphasising that the surge in violence and rising number of armed groups are fostering a climate of impunity. A recent report from UN investigators catalogues disturbing attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities, alongside summary executions driven by ethnic hatred.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that these brutal acts reflect a stark disregard for international humanitarian and human rights laws, labelling the violence as potentially constituting war crimes, which must be promptly and impartially investigated. He called for urgent accountability for perpetrators.
After 22 months of relentless conflict between the government forces and former ally, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), over 30 million people in Sudan find themselves in desperate need of aid. The repercussions of this ongoing war have sparked the worst displacement crisis globally, with over 12 million fleeing their homes and 3.3 million seeking refuge across borders, while food security and healthcare have plummeted drastically.
The report highlights the alarming prevalence of sexual violence weaponised against civilians in the conflict, with at least 120 incidents documented affecting more than 200 people. Such cases, likely underreported due to associated fear and stigma, reveal a grim reality where all factions have committed egregious violations.
Li Fung, the head of the OHCHR office in Sudan, described the escalating crisis as reaching a “dangerous tipping point,” calling for the international community to refocus on safeguarding human rights. She urged decisive action to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid to those desperately in need, affirming, “Together, we must stand with the people of Sudan.”
The ongoing violations have led to rampant intimidation of the press and human rights defenders, culminating in the tragic loss of at least 12 journalists, with records suggesting over 4,200 civilian deaths due to hostilities throughout 2024. The actual numbers could potentially be much higher, signalling a grave humanitarian situation.
The UN’s OHCHR warns of a severe escalation of human rights abuses in Sudan, particularly due to the ongoing conflict and impunity. The report highlights mass attacks on civilians, sexual violence as a weapon of war, and a dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The High Commissioner calls for urgent investigations into war crimes and a renewed international commitment to support Sudanese civilians in need.
The OHCHR’s recent report paints a harrowing picture of human rights violations in Sudan, outlining an urgent need for international intervention to address war crimes, protect civilians, and restore basic services. With a staggering number of displaced persons and widespread atrocities, the report serves as a crucial call to action for global leaders to prioritise human rights in their dealings with the situation in Sudan.
Original Source: news.un.org
