The United Nations has sounded the alarm about an impending famine in Sudan, following severe clashes that have led to the suspension of World Food Programme operations in North Darfur. UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, highlighted in Geneva that five areas are on the brink of famine within three months, with an additional 17 regions at serious risk. He reported that over 8.8 million people have been displaced internally, while 3.5 million seek refuge across borders.
Amidst this turmoil, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, have wreaked havoc in White Nile state, launching savage attacks in villages like Al-Kadaris and Al-Khalwat, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. This ongoing violence, which reignited in 2023, underscores a brutal conflict between paramilitary factions and the government. Human Rights Watch also noted a concerning escalation of civilian-targeted attacks as early as January.
The targeting of civilians in these non-international armed conflicts blatantly contravenes humanitarian law, violating the principle of distinction as enshrined in Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Such serious infringements qualify as war crimes under the Rome Statute, prompting the UN Security Council to call for an investigation into allegations of war atrocities, including genocide and crimes against humanity that have plagued Darfur since 2002.
The motives behind these assaults are deeply rooted in ethnic and tribal animosities, notably affecting vulnerable groups, including women and children. The prevalence of sexual violence, including horrific acts of gang rape, adds to the trauma, with the UN cautioning that reported figures are likely grossly underestimated due to significant stigma attached to victims. Amidst this existential crisis, medical facilities are barely operational and the judicial system has effectively collapsed.
Turk stressed the urgent need for a collective international response to restore stability, asserting that all nations must exert diplomatic pressure on the conflicting parties towards a ceasefire. Furthermore, he urged for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, emphasising the potential regional repercussions for the Horn of Africa and beyond if the situation persists. His appeals reflect a plea to safeguard humanity against escalating violence.
The UN has warned of an impending famine in Sudan due to ongoing paramilitary conflicts that have halted food aid operations. Over 8.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan, and violence has escalated, affecting civilians severely. The UN calls for international diplomatic efforts to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, amid a backdrop of rising atrocities and instability.
In conclusion, Sudan faces a dire humanitarian crisis with imminent famine threats and rampant violence driven by ongoing paramilitary conflicts. The UN highlights the critical need for international intervention and support to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. The alarming reports of atrocities, including assaults on women and children, further underline the urgency of global diplomatic efforts to address the instability engulfing the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
