This follows reports that at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 injured by members of the Rapid Support Forces militia, the RSF, between October 5 and 8 alone.
Preliminary information from the region – the last government-controlled town in North Darfur – suggests the figure could be even higher, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR) added.
“Endless and gratuitous contempt”
“I am appalled by the RSF’s constant and wanton disregard for civilian life,” Mr. Türk said.
THE militia fights former military government allies for control of Sudan since April 2023.
The UN rights chief said: “Despite repeated calls, including my own, for special precautions to be taken to protect civilians, they continue to kill, injure and displace civilians and attack civilian objects.including shelters for displaced people, hospitals and mosques, in total disregard of international law. This must stop.
At least 46 civilians were killed in artillery and drone strikes in the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods, as well as the Abu Shouk internally displaced persons camp, OHCHR reported.
This includes at least 14 civilians who were killed during the attacks of October 5 and 7 against the Saudi hospital – the last large functioning health care facility in North Darfur.
The hospital, which has been attacked several times, was already operating at reduced capacity, before suffering further significant damage in these latest attacks.
Summary executions
At least seven other civilians were reportedly summarily executed during house-to-house searches during RSF ground attacks, the OHCHR reported.
“Initial information indicates that these killings may have been ethnically motivated and targeted members of the Zaghawa community,” the UN office said.
“I urge RSF – and all parties to the conflict – to learn lessons from this week’s conviction of Ali Kushayb by the authorities. International Criminal Court (ICC) for the war crimes and crimes against humanity he committed in Darfur,” said Mr. Türk.
THE former commander Janjaweed convicted of war crimes on 27 counts earlier this week in The Hague. The RSF would have emerged from the Janjaweed militias and their leaders from 2013.
The High Commissioner also reiterated his call on UN Member States with direct influence to take urgent measures to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in El Fasher and across Darfur.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com