The Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the United Nations in Sudan, Christine Hemmaberg, emphasized the urgent need to stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Sudan, which continue to be carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across various parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hemmaberg expressed the UN’s deep concern over the recent wave of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Sudan, describing them as “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
The statement noted that on May 30, the Social Security Hospital in El-Obeid, North Kordofan State, was subjected to multiple drone strikes, resulting in the death of at least six healthcare workers and injuries to more than 15 others. The statement stressed that hospitals are not battlegrounds — they are protected under international law and must remain so.
The statement also highlighted that just one day earlier, on May 29, facilities belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, were repeatedly shelled, causing significant damage to a key humanitarian hub. According to reports, both attacks were carried out by the RSF.
The statement underscored that these facilities are vital for sustaining life amid the deteriorating humanitarian crisis. Attacks on humanitarian assets endanger millions of people and deprive them of the essential aid they rely on to survive. These attacks must stop immediately.
“I call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian property. Humanitarian workers and facilities must not be targeted,” the statement added, calling for accountability for those responsible for such acts.
