Escalating Violence Against Civilians in Sudan: UN Human Rights Office Statement

The UN Human Rights Office has reported escalating violence against civilians in Khartoum, with numerous deaths and incidents of looting, arbitrary detentions, and sexual violence. The organization urges all parties and influential States to ensure civilian protection and halt escalating lawlessness.

The UN Human Rights Office has reported a severe increase in violence against civilians in Khartoum, as fierce fighting continues in the region. Since March 12, numerous civilians, including humanitarian volunteers, have died due to artillery shelling and aerial bombardment by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in eastern Khartoum and Omdurman.

Credible accounts suggest that the Rapid Support Forces and their allied militias have carried out home raids in eastern Khartoum, resulting in summary executions and arbitrary detentions while stealing food and medical supplies from community kitchens and clinics. Additionally, there are alarming reports of sexual violence occurring in the Al Giraif Gharb neighborhood.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and their affiliated groups are also accused of looting and engaging in other criminal acts in areas they control, such as Khartoum North (Bahri) and East Nile, where widespread arbitrary arrests are currently taking place. The UN calls on all involved parties and influential States to take decisive action to protect civilians and to stop the escalating lawlessness and impunity.

For further inquiries or media requests, interested parties are encouraged to contact various representatives in Geneva, including Ravina Shamdasani, Liz Throssell, Jeremy Laurence, Seif Magango, and Thameen Al-Kheetan.

In summary, the situation in Khartoum is dire, marked by intensifying violence against civilians amid ongoing military confrontations. The UN Human Rights Office has emphasized the urgent need for protective actions against the widespread lawlessness and criminality that has emerged, urging intervention from influential parties to safeguard human rights and bring perpetrators to justice.

Original Source: reliefweb.int