The Commissioner for Human Rights visits Sudan and listens to the experiences of those affected by the “ugly war”

During this visit, which began on January 14, Turk met with the authorities in Port Sudan, as well as representatives of civil society and the UN country team.

The High Commissioner visited the capital of the northern state, Dongola, where he met with the state governor and non-governmental organizations. He exchanged views with partners in the humanitarian field on the challenges and needs of those displaced due to severe violence in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Sudan monitors and reports on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and works to strengthen the protection of civilians. It also works to provide a clear evidence base to ensure that protection, accountability and the rights of affected populations remain top priorities.

A call for comprehensive efforts

After the meeting in Dongola, which was attended by more than 50 people, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said: “I met with local authorities and local representatives of civil society organizations, NGOs and international NGOs. They told me about the terrible plight that so many people, so many survivors of this terrible war, go through on a daily basis.”.

Turk warned that there are not enough shelter places for internally displaced people, some of whom have been displaced several times.

He added: “Due to lack of resources, there is no adequate solution for women who have been subjected to sexual violence. Not enough attention is paid to people with disabilities. But these representatives (of organizations) have also found solutions.”.

He stressed that comprehensive efforts should be made, within Sudan and by the international community, to assist these organizations and facilitate their work so that they can provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance under these circumstances.

Turk’s visit also includes the Al-Afad shelter center in the northern state, where he meets with people displaced by the conflict in Darfur and Kordofan, along with humanitarian partners.

The High Commissioner will return to Port Sudan on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He will hold two press conferences at the end of his visit. One is in Port Sudan and the other is in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.