UN: Sudan Faces Imminent Risk of Another Wave of Atrocities

Geneva -Sudanhorizon-Agencies

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has warned that Sudan faces an imminent risk of yet another wave of atrocities, amid escalating violence across the Kordofan region between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.

A statement issued ,Thursday, by the commissioner Bureau reported that since October 25, when the Rapid Support Forces seized the town of Bara in North Kordofan, the High Commissioner has documented the killing of at least 269 civilians as a result of airstrikes, artillery shelling, and summary executions. He added that communication and internet disruptions are hindering accurate reporting, and therefore, the number of civilian casualties is likely much higher.

According to the statement, there have been reports of retaliatory killings, arbitrary arrests, abductions, sexual violence, and forced recruitment, including of children. There have also been reports of numerous civilians being detained on charges of “collaborating” with opposing sides, and there is growing concern about the use of divisive hate speech, which could further inflame violence.

Critical Humanitarian Situation:

“It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher,” said the High Commissioner, adding that “the international community stood united then, unequivocally condemning the barbaric violations and destruction. We must not allow Kordofan to suffer the same fate as El Fasher.”

The statement noted several incidents in the recent period. It warned that the towns of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan, besieged by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, as well as El Obeid in North Kordofan, which is partially besieged by the Rapid Support Forces, are particularly at risk.

The UN Commissioner’s statement reiterated that the humanitarian situation is critical, confirming the existence of famine in Kadugli and the risk of famine in Dilling, noting that all parties are obstructing the delivery and operations of humanitarian aid.

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