Sudan Civilian Death Toll Continues to Rise Amid Conflict Escalation

The UN reports a rise in civilian deaths in Sudan, documenting 275 casualties between January 31 and February 5 due to ongoing hostilities. This marks a significant increase from the previous week. Humanitarian workers are also facing threats, with 57 member fatalities since the conflict escalated in April 2023. All parties must comply with international law to protect civilians.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a distressing rise in civilian casualties, as reported by the UN Human Rights Office. Between January 31 and February 5, the office recorded at least 275 civilian deaths due to artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone assaults across Khartoum, as well as in North and South Darfur, and North and South Kordofan. This figure represents a threefold increase compared to the previous week, which saw 89 civilian deaths predominantly in North Darfur and Khartoum states.

The alarming surge in civilian fatalities highlights the acute danger faced by non-combatants amidst the failure of conflicting parties to protect them. Moreover, local humanitarian volunteers are encountering severe security threats, with credible reports indicating that some volunteers have been labeled as suspected collaborators with the Rapid Support Forces. Tragically, 57 members of a local humanitarian network have lost their lives since the conflict escalated in April 2023.

It is imperative for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, alongside their allied movements and militias, to adhere to international legal obligations. They must take decisive actions to ensure the safety of civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights advocates, and terminate all indiscriminate attacks and threats against civilians immediately.

In summary, the situation in Sudan remains critical, with a significant increase in civilian death tolls attributed to escalated hostilities. The dire status of local humanitarian volunteers further compounds the issue, highlighting the urgent need for all conflicting parties to uphold their international obligations to protect civilians.

Original Source: reliefweb.int