UN warns of escalating rights violations in Sudan
The UN Human Rights Office raised the alarm on Tuesday over escalating rights abuses in Sudan, warning that impunity fuels violations as fighting spreads and more armed groups join.
A new report from UN investigators highlighted attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities, markets, schools, and ethnically motivated summary executions.
“The attacks on civilians, civilian objects, sexual violence, and other abuses show both parties’ failure to respect international law,” said Volker Türk, UN high commissioner for human rights.
“Some of these acts may be war crimes. They must be investigated swiftly, with those responsible brought to justice,” he added.
The report recommended expanding the arms embargo and ICC jurisdiction to cover all of Sudan, not just Darfur.
More than 22 months of brutal fighting between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces have left over 30 million people in need of assistance.
The conflict has caused the world’s worst displacement crisis, with over 12 million displaced and 3.3 million fleeing across borders.
Food security and healthcare have collapsed, with fewer than a quarter of health facilities functioning in the hardest-hit areas. Nearly 25 million people face “acute” hunger.
The report stressed the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, with 120 documented incidents affecting at least 203 victims. Many cases remain underreported.
All sides in the conflict are responsible for violations, including widespread sexual violence, according to the report.
“The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan is deeply shocking,” said the high commissioner.
“Urgent steps must be taken by the parties to stop it, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide redress for survivors,” he stressed.
The report also covered disappearances and a general crackdown on civil society, including killings of journalists and attacks on human rights defenders.
At least 12 journalists were killed, two in detention, and 31 were arbitrarily detained, including four women.
In 2024, OHCHR documented over 4,200 civilian deaths during hostilities, though the true toll is likely much higher.
Li Fung, the head of OHCHR in Sudan, described the situation as a “dangerous tipping point.”
Speaking from Port Sudan via video link, she stressed the need for the international community to refocus on human rights.
“The international community must take all necessary steps to protect civilians and ensure critical humanitarian aid reaches those in need,” she said.
“Together, we must stand with the people of Sudan.”
NAN
