UN Rights Chief Warns of Catastrophe in Sudan’s Darfur

(MENAFN) The UN’s top human rights official on Monday described the conditions in Sudan’s Darfur area as “catastrophic,” cautioning of large-scale atrocities as clashes escalate between the national army and paramilitary factions.

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk noted that thousands of noncombatants have been slain this year, with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces showing “utter disregard” for international humanitarian standards.

"After more than a year under RSF siege, the situation in El Fasher is catastrophic," Turk stated.

He continued, "The scale of the suffering of the Sudanese people across this vast country is unfathomable, demanding the full attention of the world."

According to him, residents of El Fasher are deprived of food, clean water, and medical supplies while enduring relentless shelling.

"Sexual violence is widespread, predominantly against displaced women and girls. There are no safe routes out of the city, and I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence," he added.

Turk stressed again: “I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence,” urging strong global measures to stop crimes against humanity.

He appealed to all nations to uphold the UN arms embargo, pressure both sides of the conflict to safeguard civilians, allow unrestricted humanitarian aid, and work toward a truce that would lead to civilian governance.

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