The agency received reports summary executions of civilians trying to escape what was the last bastion of Sudan’s military government of El Fasher – with indications of ethnic motivations for the killings – and former fighters laying down their weapons, which is prohibited under humanitarian law.
“The risk of further large-scale ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is increasing by the day.“, warned UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
“Urgent and concrete action”
“Urgent and concrete measures must be taken to ensure the protection of civilians in El Fasher and safe passage for those trying to reach relative safety. »
These alarming reports come as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate since the outbreak of conflict in 2023. With more than 12 million displaced or stateless people and more 24 million hunger, Sudan’s crisis is considered one of the most serious in the world.
Hundreds of people were reportedly arrested while trying to flee, including a journalist, OHCHR said. Many civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, were also killed by heavy artillery bombardments last week.
“External interference”
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters while in Southeast Asia on Monday, this development marked a “terrible escalation” to the conflict, stressing that it was time for the international community to denounce countries that intervene in the war and “provide weapons” to the warring parties, urging them to accept a ceasefire.
Mr. Guterres stressed that the problem lies not only in the fighting between the army and the RSF, but also in the growing “external interference” this undermines the prospects for a ceasefire and a political solution.
Malnourished and traumatized
“Civilians fleeing El Fasher are often held for ransom along the route, with part of the route controlled by militias,” Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, said at Monday’s press conference.
She said aid organizations were receiving adults and children “dehydrated, malnourished, some injured and all traumatized.”
According to information received by OHCHR, five men were executed by the RSF for trying to smuggle food into the town, which has been under blockade by the RSF militia – vying for power during a brutal civil war with the army – for 18 months.
Ms Brown said some of the RSF victims were allegedly accused of supporting the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and reports received suggested dozens of civilians had been killed.
She stressed that the dire funding situation, just 27 percent of the request, has left the UN unable to respond to the needs of “traumatized, raped and starving” people.
Aid workers at risk
Nearly 130 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023, and volunteers are believed to have been killed in El Fasher, Brown said.
“These people form the backbone of the humanitarian response in the most difficult areas and are also protected by international humanitarian law.“, she added.
Mr. Türk reiterated that RSF commanders have an obligation under international law to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
