The UN Secretary-General condemned reported executions of civilians in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum North, where ongoing violence by military forces has escalated. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by massive malnutrition and starvation, with urgent calls for increased aid and protection for vulnerable populations. The UN emphasizes the need for immediate cessation of hostilities to protect civilians and provide life-saving assistance.
The UN Secretary-General has expressed significant concern regarding reports of summary executions targeting civilians in Khartoum North, allegedly perpetrated by fighters and militias aligned with the military government. The majority of the victims reportedly hail from the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, emphasized the obligation of all conflicting parties to adhere to international laws designed to protect civilians. The ongoing conflict has placed a heavy toll on Sudanese men, women, and children alike, who are suffering due to the relentless violence.
Since April 2023, government forces have engaged in fierce combat with the Rapid Support Forces, their erstwhile allies who became adversaries. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned the conflict as “senseless” and highlighted the escalation of war crimes affecting civilians. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is actively investigating these alarming reports of ethnic targeting and escalated violence against civilians.
Civilian casualties are mounting across various regions of Sudan, with a recent attack on a market in Omdurman resulting in at least 60 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Reports indicate that North Kordofan and North and South Darfur are similarly affected by violence, with ongoing assaults on communities such as the Abu Shouk displacement camp. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised concerns about rising death tolls and humanitarian needs in these regions, describing the situation as critical.
The food crisis in Sudan is reaching alarming levels, with reports detailing over 70 hunger-related deaths, primarily among children in Khartoum State. The number of severe malnutrition cases has surged in Omdurman, necessitating urgent food assistance. Access restrictions have forced the closure of vital community kitchens, exacerbating the crisis. The UN reiterated the need for increased funding and logistical resources to support nutrition programs and aid efforts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
In light of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, the UN has called upon all parties to protect civilians and enable access to essential aid. Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sudan, underscored the urgent necessity to halt the ongoing violence, stating that the suffering of the Sudanese populace must come to an end.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation, particularly since the outbreak of violent confrontations in April 2023. The UN has expressed alarm over the protection of civilians amidst reported human rights violations, including summary executions and targeted killings. As the conflict persists, humanitarian access and supplies have been severely impeded, leading to rising fatalities due to violence and starvation, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Amidst these challenges, continued calls for international intervention and support to resolve the crisis remain crucial.
The current crisis in Sudan has reached critical levels, marked by increasing violence, civilian casualties, and a deepening food shortage leading to malnutrition. The UN’s urgent calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and improved humanitarian access highlight the grave circumstances faced by millions. Global awareness and intervention are essential to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
