Sudan: A human rights commissioner denounces the killing of dozens of civilians in Kordofan

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed the killing of at least 60 civilians in attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces on the town of Para, North Kordofan, since June 10. Civil society organizations have reported the killing of 300 people in these attacks.

It also reported that at least 23 civilians were killed and more than 30 others were injured, as a result of air strikes carried out by the Sudanese armed forces targeting two villages in West Kordofan State between 10 and 14 July.

Moreover, at least 11 civilians – all of them from one family – were killed by an air strike carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces on the Bara locality on July 17.

Volker Turk said in a statement today, Thursday: “It is unfortunate that after more than two years of the outbreak of the conflict, the warring parties in Sudan still show a flagrant disregard for the lives and safety of civilians.”

These recent human losses come while disturbing reports are about to mobilize the rapid support forces to launch an attack on the city of Al -Abyad, the capital of North Kordofan State.

The situation in El -Fasher

The Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed his constant concern about the safety of civilians in the city of El Fasher, north of Darfur, following a series of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces on the besieged city in recent days, including a land attack that occurred on July 11 and 12, and reported that civilian casualties.

Volker Turk warned that the escalation of hostilities in North Darfur and Kordofan would only exacerbate the risks that threaten civilians, and the deterioration of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in a conflict that has already caused integral suffering to the Sudanese people.

A call to the parties

The High Commissioner appealed to all those who have influence on the parties to move to stop this escalation and ensure that the two warring parties comply with their obligations under international law, especially with regard to the protection of civilians and civil infrastructure.

He reiterated the warring parties to ensure safe, continuous and without obstacle to humanitarian aid, including by adopting humanitarian interruptions, and taking the necessary measures to prevent and curb international law violations.

He stressed the necessity of investigating all alleged and independently alleged violations, and bringing those responsible to justice.