UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that the brutal attacks by the RSF on El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp have killed at least 89 civilians over a ten-day period until 20 August.
In a press release on Friday, the commissioner expressed concern that the actual death toll may be higher. The latest documented attacks between 16 and 20 August killed at least 32 civilians, while previous attacks on 11 August resulted in 57 deaths.
The statement described the attacks as “unacceptable and must stop immediately,” noting that 16 of the latest killings appeared to be summary executions, primarily targeting members of the African-origin Zaghawa tribe. Another victim from the Berti tribe was reportedly killed after identifying his ethnicity.
The UN warned that deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes a severe violation of international humanitarian law and raises fears of ethnically motivated violence. Reports also indicate that at least 40 displaced persons were abducted on 16 August, and their whereabouts remain unknown. The humanitarian situation in El Fasher is described as critical after more than a year under siege, with growing risks of famine across the city and northern Darfur.
The UN reiterated that humanitarian workers and aid deliveries are explicitly protected under international law and must not be targeted, as attacks on aid efforts only worsen civilians’ human rights conditions. Türk called on all conflict parties to take immediate concrete measures to protect civilians, including providing safe passage for those seeking to leave conflict zones and ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
