UN Official Condemns Escalating Attacks on Civilians in Sudan
Clementine Nkweta-Salami issued a statement on Tuesday expressing deep concern over the increasing shelling, air, and drone strikes targeting civilians in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions, as well as other conflict-affected areas.
The ongoing power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has led to widespread casualties, destruction, and displacement.
Indiscriminate Attacks and Humanitarian Violations
Nkweta-Salami described the continuous attacks on homes, markets, and displacement camps as “deeply alarming.” She emphasized that this is not conventional warfare but rather a “ruthless assault on human life.”
She also condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war against civilians in Al Fasher, North Darfur, calling it “appalling.” Stressing the principles of international humanitarian law, she stated that all parties involved have both a legal and moral duty to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“The world cannot turn a blind eye while civilians are caught in the crossfire of a war that blatantly disregards the fundamental rules of armed conflict,” she said, urging all sides to immediately cease attacks on civilians and allow unrestricted humanitarian access.
“This war must not continue at the cost of innocent Sudanese children, women, and men,” she concluded.
—
UN Calls for Sustained Gaza Ceasefire
Amid ongoing efforts to coordinate humanitarian aid, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher is on a week-long visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. His visit focuses on discussions with authorities, humanitarian organizations, and frontline responders.
On Tuesday, Fletcher visited Nir Oz in southern Israel, where a significant number of residents were either killed or taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Through a social media post, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring civilian protection, and securing the release of all hostages.
Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Fletcher also met with Israeli officials on Monday night and Tuesday to discuss ways to sustain the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Their conversations also addressed rising violence in the West Bank.
According to the UN and humanitarian organizations, over 565,000 people have moved from southern Gaza to the north since January 27, while more than 45,000 have traveled in the opposite direction.
Fletcher arrived in the region on Monday, where he met Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and held discussions with the president of the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
—
WHO Recognizes World Cancer Day
On Tuesday, February 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Cancer Day, paying tribute to those affected by the disease and celebrating medical advancements in cancer treatment.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that every minute, 40 people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer.
“WHO is working with partners to build global coalitions, drive local action, and amplify the voices of those affected,” he stated in a social media message.
The organization’s efforts include improving access to pediatric cancer medications and spearheading a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer.
Tedros reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to ensuring healthcare for all, emphasizing the importance of continued medical research and patient support.
Leave a Reply