UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk revealed on Friday that reports indicate civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting in various areas of North Darfur and Kordofan.
In a statement, Türk warned of the consequences of the ongoing and escalating hostilities across North Darfur and Kordofan, citing reports of civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting in multiple locations.
He stated that the recent fighting and the risk of worsening deadly conflict raise serious protection concerns in an environment marked by a culture of impunity for human rights violations.
He noted that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an attack on El Fasher in North Darfur on June 15, following months of increasing mobilization of fighters—including the recruitment of children—across Darfur.
He explained that the attack was reminiscent of the RSF’s storming of the Zamzam camp in April, which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians, widespread sexual violence, and a humanitarian catastrophe.
He stressed that everyone knows “where further escalation leads, as the world has long witnessed the endless horrors taking place in Sudan and the indescribable suffering of its people.”
He called for the protection of civilians, investigations into violations and crimes, and the accountability of those responsible.
He added: “I urge all states to use their influence to push for a lasting political solution and to ensure that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law.”
Türk emphasized the need for countries to pressure for an end to the flow of weapons into the country and to curb the commercial interests fueling the conflict.
