The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the RSF militia’s attacks in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, noting that over 135,000 civilians have been displaced in ten days. He called for accountability for violations of humanitarian law, emphasized the need for civilian protection, and demanded unimpeded humanitarian access for those in need. UN agencies continue to provide emergency aid as the situation worsens, with a call for an immediate ceasefire and ongoing dialogue to resolve the conflict.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has denounced the escalating violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, which has led to the displacement of over 135,000 civilians within a mere ten-day span. In a formal statement, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed that Guterres is troubled by the alarming number of civilian casualties, detentions, and displacements, alongside reports of sexual violence targeting women and girls, looting of residences and marketplaces, and destruction of agricultural lands. Guterres underscored that these actions may represent grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, emphasizing the necessity for accountability among the perpetrators. Furthermore, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) conveyed significant concern regarding civilians trapped in the ongoing hostilities as well as those compelled to flee. Dujarric reiterated the imperative that “civilians must be protected whether they move or stay, and they must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need.” During a press briefing held in New York, Dujarric disclosed that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has documented the displacement of more than 135,000 individuals from various regions of Al Jazirah between October 20 and October 30. A significant proportion of these displaced persons have sought refuge in nearby Gedaref state, with a considerable number also relocating to Kassala state. In response to this growing humanitarian crisis, UN agencies alongside humanitarian partners, especially local organizations and volunteers, are mobilizing to provide emergency support to the newly arrived displaced individuals. This assistance encompasses family tracing, reunification services, and mental health support. In light of the escalating hunger and the proliferation of diseases, which have now rendered half of the Sudanese population in need of aid, Secretary-General Guterres has demanded that all parties involved ensure safe, rapid, and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for civilians in distress via all necessary channels. He has also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and announced that his Personal Envoy will persist in engaging with all pertinent stakeholders to de-escalate the conflict and bolster civilian protection measures.
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly due to conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group that has been engaged in violent actions against civilians. This has resulted in mass displacement, widespread humanitarian crises, and challenges in protecting human rights within the affected regions. The UN’s response includes condemnation of such violence, communication of humanitarian needs, and mobilization of resources to aid those impacted by the conflict.
In summary, the UN has called attention to the grave humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, exacerbated by the actions of the RSF militia leading to significant civilian displacement and suffering. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded accountability for these acts and the facilitation of humanitarian access, while also advocating for a ceasefire to protect civilians and alleviate the crisis.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
