UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed serious concerns about the potential for armed groups and militias to exploit the current instability in Sudan. Turk emphasized that these groups could escalate violence even further, taking advantage of the impunity that currently exists. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has lasted for five months, has resulted in thousands of deaths, the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and vital services, as well as widespread displacement and sexual violence that may constitute war crimes.
The regions most affected by the fighting include Khartoum and its surroundings, El Obeid in North Kordofan, and areas of the Darfur region, particularly West Darfur, where civilians have been targeted based on their ethnicity. The exact death toll remains unknown due to the intensity of the fighting and challenges in collecting and identifying remains. However, the UN estimates that over 4,000 people have been killed so far, including hundreds of civilians, 28 humanitarian and health workers, and 435 children. The actual number of casualties is likely much higher.
According to Turk, many civilians in the Khartoum area were killed as they resisted attempts by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to loot their houses or rape female family members. Others fell victim to crossfire or shelling that hit their homes. In West Darfur’s El Geneina, people were killed both inside their homes and as they attempted to flee on the road to Chad.
The rise in sexual violence is also alarming. Turk stated that his office has received credible reports of 32 incidents of sexual violence against 73 victims as of August 2nd. This includes at least 28 incidents of rape, with men in RSF uniform implicated in at least 19 incidents as perpetrators. The actual number of cases is likely much higher. Turk has repeatedly called on Sudanese officials to issue clear instructions that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence.
In addition to violence, both parties in Sudan have arbitrarily detained hundreds of individuals, holding them incommunicado. More than 500 political activists and human rights defenders, including 24 women, are currently missing. These detainees often endure maltreatment and, in some cases, torture.
The toll of the conflict is also evident in economic collapse, food insecurity, and a crumbling healthcare system. Over 20.3 million people in Sudan face food insecurity, with 700,000 children at risk of malnutrition. The Sudanese health system is on the verge of collapse, as 100 out of 130 hospitals in Khartoum have ceased operation.
Human displacement continues to be a major issue, with over 4 million people displaced due to the ongoing conflict. The dire living conditions in refugee camps and internally displaced persons sites exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls who are susceptible to sexual abuse.
Turk emphasized that the parties involved in the conflict must immediately cease fighting, resume political talks, and comply with their legal obligations under international humanitarian law. He called for investigations into all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law that have occurred during the conflict, with those responsible being held accountable.
Turk also urged the international community to increase political and economic pressure on the parties involved in the conflict to stop fighting immediately. Additionally, he called for increased financial support for humanitarian agencies responding to the crisis caused by the conflict, including displacement and refugee crises.
The situation in Sudan is dire, with widespread violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. It is crucial for the international community to take action and support efforts to bring an end to the conflict and provide assistance to those affected. Only through collective efforts can stability and peace be restored in Sudan.