The UN formally condemned the rising civilian death toll in Sudan due to intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Both groups have violated international humanitarian law, leading to looting, detentions, and summary executions. The humanitarian crisis is severe, particularly in North Darfur, where thousands have been displaced, and aid access is significantly hindered. The situation calls for immediate international action to prevent further deterioration.
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a condemnation on Thursday regarding the increasing death toll among civilians in Sudan due to the ongoing armed conflict. This statement follows intensified clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and surrounding areas, where both factions have reportedly violated international humanitarian law.
The OHCHR highlighted that both RSF and SAF fighters have engaged in looting civilian provisions, as well as committing arbitrary detentions and summary executions amidst the conflict. This disregard for humanitarian law has exacerbated the already dire situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented a recent drone strike in East Khartoum’s Imtedaad Nasir area that resulted in the deaths of five women and injuries to several others. Just a day prior, artillery shelling in Karari, north of Omdurman, killed multiple individuals and injured over 40, many of whom were children, indicating a troubling trend of targeting residential areas.
Outside the capital, conditions in North Darfur have deteriorated significantly. Armed confrontations in and around El Fasher have led to the displacement of thousands, pushing many towards Zamzam camp. OCHA reported that checkpoints in the vicinity restrict civilian movement and access to essential supplies such as food, water, and medical care, leaving aid agencies struggling to cope.
The UN highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address the worsening crisis, especially given the forecast of a famine situation in North Darfur by February 2025, following a recent attack by RSF fighters on villages in the White Nile state. These developments raise serious concerns regarding the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law, specifically the principle of distinction, which obligates conflicting parties to differentiate between combatants and civilians.
In addition, a warning regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan was conveyed by the UN on March 11, citing that the intense conflict has led to a temporary suspension of humanitarian assistance by the UN World Food Programme. The African Union categorized the situation in Sudan as one of the gravest crises in the world today.
The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly the violations of international humanitarian law by conflicting parties, necessitate urgent global attention and intervention. Civilians continue to suffer significant harm due to targeted strikes and disregard for humanitarian principles. The international community must act to alleviate the humanitarian plight and restore peace in the affected areas to prevent further deterioration into famine and lawlessness.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
