(MENAFN) The UN human rights chief delivered a stark warning Monday about the escalating crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region, describing conditions as “catastrophic” and highlighting rampant atrocities amid fierce clashes between the army and paramilitary forces.

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk revealed that thousands of civilians have been killed this year as both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces demonstrate “utter disregard” for international humanitarian law.

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

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

Turk painted a grim picture of life in El Fasher, noting severe shortages of food, water, and medicine amidst relentless bombardment.

"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 said.

“I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence,” Turk stressed, calling urgently for international action to stop ongoing atrocity crimes.

He urged all nations to honor the UN arms embargo, pressure combatants to safeguard civilians, guarantee unhindered humanitarian aid, and advocate for a ceasefire that could enable a transition to civilian governance.

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