Sudan – Reports on collective executions in Khartoum, and the United Nations call for accountability

Volker Turk said in a statement today, Thursday: “I feel very dismayed regarding reliable reports that indicate many deaths with brief procedures for civilians in several areas of Khartoum, apparently on suspicion, in their cooperation with the Rapid Support Forces.”

The UN official urged the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to “arbitrary deprivation of the right to life.”

The High Commissioner said that the outside law killings are severe violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, stressing the need for individuals committed to these violations, as well as those who bear leadership responsibility, for these unacceptable actions under international criminal law.

“Cold blood executions”

Turk said that the Human Rights Commission has reviewed many horrific videos published on social media since March 26, all of which appeared to have been photographed in southern and east Khartoum.

These clips show, according to the statement, armed men – some of whom are wearing military uniforms and others in civilian clothes – carrying out cold blood executions against civilians, often in public places. “In some of the clips, the perpetrators stated that they are punishing supporters of the Rapid Support Forces.”

The reports were quotes to the Sudanese armed forces and members of the state’s security services, in addition to militias and fighters linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces.

For example, it is claimed that at least 20 civilians, including one woman, were killed in the south of Al -Hizam in southern Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces, militias and associated fighters.

Hate speech escalated

Turk explained that his office documented a disturbing uprising in hate speech and incitement to violence via the Internet, as lists were published online with the names of individuals accused in cooperation with the Rapid Support Forces. “It seems that the ethnic groups from the provinces of Darfur and Kordofan are exposed to an inconsistent targeting,” according to the statement.

The High Commissioner called on all parties again to take immediate steps to ensure that their forces respect the right to life, without discrimination, in line with their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Volcker Turk called on Sudan to immediately start conducting independent, transparent and effective investigations in these incidents, according to the relevant international standards, with the aim of holding those responsible accountable and ensuring the right of victims in fact and justice.