“Today, traumatized civilians remain trapped in El Fasher and unable to escape,” stated UN human rights chief Volker Türk. statement released Friday.
“I am concerned that heinous acts like summary executions, rape, and ethnically driven violence will persist. within the city.”
The statement follows increasing reports from UN human rights bodies and other experts about widespread violence and war crimes after El Fasher’s capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on October 23 this year. The RSF has been clashing with former allies-turned-rivals—the military government in Khartoum—for control of Sudan for over two years.
Those who managed to flee the city also face violence, as routes out have become scenes of “unimaginable cruelty,” Mr. Türk noted.
No sign of de-escalation
The High Commissioner indicated that since El Fasher’s capture, civilian casualties, destruction, and mass displacement have risen.
He further warned that the situation on the ground suggests “clear preparations for intensified hostilities, with dire implications for its suffering population.”
In a interview with UN News on Thursday, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, expressed alarm over war crime allegations in El Fasher.
“We observe massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks on civilians, and a disregard for international humanitarian law, which governs combat conduct, with civilians as primary targets,” he stated.
Independent UN experts also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis on Friday, pointing to “sadistic levels” of violence and sexual assault.
“We are shocked by credible reports of summary executions of civilians in El Fasher by the RSF, which are illegal under international law, constitute war crimes, and may also be crimes against humanity,” they stated. “These must cease immediately, and independent, prompt investigations are crucial.”
Ceasefire agreement reported
The RSF reportedly agreed on Thursday to a ceasefire proposed by the United States and Arab countries, but the national army has not signed, and attacks persist, with media reports of explosions around army-controlled Khartoum.
Meanwhile, UN agencies continue to urge an end to hostilities.
“The Security Council arms embargo is explicit: we must cease providing military support to parties committing severe violations.,” said Mr. Türk.
He reiterated his call for an “immediate halt to violence in Darfur and Kordofan,” and emphasized “bold and urgent action is needed from the international community.”
The UN Human Rights Council will convene a special session on the situation in El Fasher and its surrounds, Friday, November 14.
Leave a Reply