ISTANBUL
The UN human rights chief on Monday called the situation in Sudan’s Darfur region “catastrophic” and warned of widespread atrocities as fighting between the army and paramilitary forces intensifies.
Briefing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk said thousands of civilians have been killed this year as both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces show “utter disregard” for international humanitarian law
"After more than a year under RSF siege, the situation in El Fasher is catastrophic," he said.
"The scale of the suffering of the Sudanese people across this vast country is unfathomable, demanding the full attention of the world," he added.
He said that people in El Fasher lack food, water and medicine while enduring constant bombardment.
"Sexual violence is widespread, predominantly against displaced women and girls. There are no safe routes out of the city, and I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence," he added.
“I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence,” Turk said, urging decisive international action to halt atrocity crimes.
He called on all states to respect the UN arms embargo, press the warring parties to protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and push for a ceasefire that would pave the way for civilian rule.