Sudan faces imminent danger of another wave of atrocities

A statement issued by his office said that since October 25, when the Rapid Support Forces took control of the city of Bara in North Kordofan, the Commission has documented the killing of at least 269 civilians as a result of air strikes, artillery shelling and field executions. He added that communications and internet outages hinder the preparation of accurate reports, and therefore, the number of civilian casualties is likely to be much higher.

According to the statement, there were reports of revenge killings, arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, sexual violence and forced recruitment, including of children. There have also been reports of several civilians being detained on charges of “collaboration” with opposing parties, and concern is also growing about the use of divisive hate speech, which may fuel violence.

A critical humanitarian situation

The High Commissioner said: “It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher.”adding that “The international community stood united at the time and categorically condemned the barbaric violations and destruction. We must not allow Kordofan to suffer the same fate as El Fasher.”.

The statement referred to a number of incidents in the recent period. He warned that the cities of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan, which were besieged by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, in addition to Al-Obeid in North Kordofan, which is partly besieged by the Rapid Support Forces, are particularly at risk.

He recalled that the humanitarian situation is critical, with confirmation of the presence of famine in Kadugli and the danger of famine in Dilling, noting that all parties are obstructing the arrival of humanitarian aid and its operations.

“We cannot stand idly by”

Turk said “We cannot remain silent in the face of another man-made disaster.”adding that “This fighting must end immediately, and life-saving aid must be allowed to reach those facing starvation.”.

He called for the protection of humanitarian workers and local responders, and for the restoration of communications to facilitate the delivery of life-saving aid and allow the flow of essential information to civilians.

He stressed that providing safe corridors for those fleeing the horror of famine, death and destruction is necessary and a requirement of human rights.

The UN official said: “Have we not learned the lessons of the past? We cannot stand idly by and allow more Sudanese to become victims of horrific human rights violations. We must act, and this war must stop now.”.