Escalating Hostilities in Sudan Lead to Tripled Civilian Death Toll

The civilian death toll in Sudan has escalated to at least 275 between January 31 and February 5, representing a threefold increase from the previous week. This surge in casualties is due to intensified violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, compounded by humanitarian crises and threats to aid workers. The OHCHR has called for immediate measures to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the civilian death toll in Sudan has experienced a staggering increase, reaching at least 275 fatalities from January 31 to February 5. This figure marks a threefold rise compared to the preceding week, which documented a minimum of 89 civilian deaths amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation is exacerbated by escalating violence particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, leading to a looming humanitarian disaster, as stated by UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.

Hostilities have intensified across the region, with reports of artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks severely affecting populated areas including Khartoum, North and South Darfur, and parts of Kordofan. Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, reported at least 80 civilian casualties during this period, accompanied by distressing accounts of women and children being used as human shields. The risk of further violence in the Blue Nile region has also increased with indications of mass mobilization for conflict.

The increase in civilian deaths paints a grim picture of the dangers facing non-combatants, underscoring the continued failure of conflicting parties and their allies to safeguard civilians. Seif Magango, a spokesperson for the OHCHR, remarked on the dire circumstances, stressing the need for protection measures for vulnerable populations.

In addition to the rising fatalities, humanitarian workers also face severe threats as some have been wrongfully accused of collaborating with armed groups, putting them at risk of intimidation and violence. At least one individual has received death threats, and since the onset of conflict in April 2023, 57 members of a local volunteer network have lost their lives. The situation is further aggravated by crucial medical supply shortages and an alarming rise in food insecurity, particularly in South Kordofan, where malnutrition rates are sharply increasing.

The OHCHR calls upon all involved in the conflict to cease indiscriminate attacks and violence targeted at civilians. Mr. Magango emphasized that the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and related groups must adhere to their obligations under international law, actively taking steps to ensure the safety of civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights advocates.

The recently reported significant rise in civilian deaths in Sudan reflects the deteriorating security situation amid ongoing conflicts, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Humanitarian conditions are gravely affected, with threats to both civilians and aid workers heightening amid food shortages and increased malnutrition rates. Urgent action is needed from all conflict parties to comply with international laws protecting vulnerable populations.

Original Source: news.un.org