The Rapid Support Forces in Sudan have launched severe attacks on civilians in Al Gezira state, resulting in significant casualties and enormous displacement. Human Rights Watch reported that the UK must use its UN presidency to advocate for civilian protection measures amidst escalating violence and severe human rights violations.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have engaged in egregious human rights violations against civilians in Sudan’s Al Gezira state, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and unlawful detentions. Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that since October 20, 2024, the RSF has launched attacks on over 30 villages, displacing more than 130,000 individuals. In light of these alarming developments, the United Kingdom, which holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November, is urged to advocate for the swift deployment of a civilian protection mission in Sudan to safeguard affected populations. In recent months, the RSF has perpetrated serious abuses amid ongoing tensions with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), escalating violently after the defection of an RSF ally in Al Gezira. This uprising has led to targeted reprisals, including sexual violence against women and girls, and indiscriminate killings. On October 22, RSF soldiers were reported to have shot indiscriminately in neighborhoods, compelling civilians to flee, with many witnesses recounting harrowing experiences of violence and intimidation. Access to the situation remains severely limited, complicating accurate reporting and assessment of the conditions faced by affected communities. However, Human Rights Watch has gathered testimonies and video evidence which highlight the widespread violence. Specific incidents, such as the targeting of families and systematic acts of sexual violence, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, demanding an immediate and coordinated international response. Consequently, the UN Secretary-General’s recent report calls for enhanced measures to protect civilians, and the United Kingdom, as penholder on Sudan, is positioned to lead efforts in mobilizing global action. Rights advocates stress the urgency for sustainable support and interventions, including a dedicated civilian protection mission to provide immediate relief and deter further assaults on vulnerable populations. Failure to act now could lead to continued impunity and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly involving the RSF and SAF, has escalated significantly, particularly after key defections and retaliatory violence. The RSF, known for its notorious record of human rights violations, has intensified its assaults against civilian populations, particularly in Al Gezira state. The international community, including the United Nations, faces pressing demands to address these violations and to implement protective measures for vulnerable civilians caught in the conflict.
The situation in Al Gezira represents a critical humanitarian crisis, necessitating immediate action from international bodies, particularly the United Nations Security Council. The United Kingdom’s engagement as the current president of the Security Council presents a pivotal opportunity to advocate for civilian protection measures in Sudan. As the magnitude of violence escalates, the importance of prompt and decisive intervention cannot be overstated, and global leaders must prioritize the protection of civilians and the promotion of accountability for violators of human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
