Volker Türk: Concerned about RSF Continued Killing of Civilians in and Around El Fasher
Geneva – Sudanhorizon
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has stated that the brutal attacks launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)on the besieged city of El Fasher and the adjacent Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons in North Darfur resulted in the deaths of at least 89 civilians in the ten days leading up to August 20.
The Commissioner noted in a press release issued on Friday that: “We fear that the actual number of civilians killed is likely higher.”
The Commission’s statement confirmed that in the most recent attacks documented by its office between August 16 and 20, at least 32 civilians were killed, while at least 57 civilians were killed in previous attacks on August 11.
It described the attacks as “unacceptable and must stop immediately.”
The commissioner said they were particularly alarmed that, among the latest wave of civilian killings, 16 appear to have been summary executions. Most of the victims were killed in Abu Shouk camp and belonged to the African Zaghawa tribe, according to information gathered by our office.
In another case in El Fasher, it added, a victim was asked which tribe he belonged to and was killed after responding that he was from the African Berti tribe, according to the release.
The press release warned that this pattern of attacks on civilians and deliberate killings, which constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, “deepens our concerns about ethnically motivated violence.”
UNHCR said it has received disturbing reports from the field that at least 40 displaced people were abducted during the attacks on 16 August and that their whereabouts remain unknown.
It warned that the humanitarian situation in El Fasher has reached a critical stage after more than a year of siege. There is a growing risk of famine in both the city and other areas of North Darfur.
The release indicated that the Commissioner is “appalled” by reports that those trying to deliver much-needed aid have again come under attack.
On August 20, a UN humanitarian convoy of 16 trucks carrying essential food supplies was hit by airstrikes in Mellit, North Darfur. This incident follows a previous attack on a UN humanitarian convoy in Al Kuma, North Darfur, on June 2.
The Commissioner emphasized that humanitarian workers and aid workers are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law and must not be targeted. Attacks on humanitarian efforts only exacerbate the human rights situation for civilians.
The release indicated that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately take concrete measures to ensure the protection of civilians, including providing safe passage for those wishing to leave conflict-affected areas and facilitating unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
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