The UN warns that Sudan faces a famine crisis due to recent paramilitary violence, leading to the suspension of aid operations. An estimated 8.8 million people are displaced, and serious human rights violations are occurring. The international community is urged to exert pressure for a ceasefire and protect civilians amid the deteriorating situation.
The United Nations has declared that Sudan is on the brink of famine due to intense fighting that led to the suspension of operations by the World Food Programme in North Darfur. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk warned that within three months, five additional areas could face famine, with 17 more at risk, as the ongoing conflict displaces 8.8 million individuals internally and forces 3.5 million to flee the country.
Recent attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, in villages of White Nile state resulted in hundreds of deaths. These incidents represent the latest wave of violence stemming from the conflict that erupted in 2023, with Human Rights Watch also reporting attacks on civilians in January. Such assaults violate humanitarian law principles that protect civilians during non-international armed conflicts.
The International Court of Justice emphasizes that military operations against civilians breach the principle of distinction outlined in Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Violations of these principles can be classified as war crimes under the Rome Statute, despite Sudan not being a state party. The UN Security Council has tasked the International Criminal Court with investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur since July 2002.
Targeted attacks in Sudan frequently stem from ethnic and tribal divisions and have impacted women and children indiscriminately. Reports indicate that sexual violence, including gang rape, has accompanied these assaults. However, data is thought to be incomplete due to the stigma faced by victims, resulting in medical clinics operating at only 30 percent of their capacity and a significant collapse of judicial systems. Turk cautioned that the ongoing conflict poses a threat not just to Sudan, but to regional stability in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
In light of this humanitarian crisis, Turk urged all nations to exert diplomatic and political pressure on the conflicting parties and their allies to achieve a ceasefire. He emphasized the need for effective civilian protection and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance as vital steps toward alleviating the suffering in Sudan.
The UN has issued a grave warning regarding the famine crisis looming over Sudan, exacerbated by ongoing paramilitary conflicts that disrupt humanitarian aid. The escalating violence, marked by targeted assaults against civilians and a collapse of essential services, calls for urgent international intervention. It is imperative for nations to prioritize diplomatic efforts to establish peace and facilitate humanitarian support.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
