The situation in Sudan has been marked by death, suffering, and despair for nearly a year, as the conflict and human rights violations have continued with no end in sight. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over the indiscriminate attacks by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in densely populated areas, resulting in the displacement of over 8 million people. The report highlights the urgent need to end the fighting and break the cycle of impunity that has fueled the conflict.
Based on interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as analysis of various sources, the report reveals a pattern of ethnic-based attacks and the use of heavy weaponry by both parties involved in the conflict. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas has resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Recent video evidence shows students in North Kordofan state may have been beheaded by men in SAF uniform, further illustrating the brutality of the conflict and the targeting of civilians based on ethnicity.
The death toll in Sudan has reached into the thousands, with numerous incidents of civilian casualties caused by both the SAF and the RSF. The report cites examples of missile attacks in Khartoum, artillery shelling in Omdurman, and attacks in West Darfur that targeted the Masalit ethnic community. The RSF and its allies have been responsible for numerous attacks against civilians, resulting in mass casualties and the burial of bodies in mass graves.
The report also highlights the prevalence of sexual violence and gang rape in Sudan, with at least 118 people subjected to sexual violence by December 15, 2023. Women and girls have been particularly vulnerable to such attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country. The widespread violence and atrocities committed against civilians underscore the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations and end the conflict.
The UN Human Rights Office has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians in Sudan. The ongoing conflict has caused immense suffering and displacement, with millions of people affected by the violence. The international community must work together to address the root causes of the conflict, hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, and support efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan. The voices of the victims and witnesses must be heard, and their experiences must drive efforts to bring about justice and lasting peace in the region.
