The UN has condemned the summary executions of civilians in Sudan’s Khartoum North. Reports indicate rising fatalities and a dire humanitarian crisis, with increasing instances of targeted violence and a food crisis exacerbated by the conflict. The UN calls for increased humanitarian support and adherence to international law to protect vulnerable populations.
The UN Secretary-General has expressed significant concern regarding reports of summary executions taking place in Khartoum North, allegedly perpetrated by armed groups allied with the military government. The victims are primarily from the Darfur and Kordofan regions, highlighting the ongoing violence against civilians amidst the conflict between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the obligations of all warring parties under international law to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. He noted that the ordinary people of Sudan—men, women, and children—are suffering immensely due to the persistent fighting.
Reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, depict this conflict as increasingly perilous for civilians, with mounting instances of targeted killings. The office of Mr. Türk is actively seeking to verify these claims, as both sides have been accused of committing war crimes against civilians.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilians being targeted in ongoing attacks across Sudan. A recent assault on a market in Omdurman resulted in over 60 casualties, while similar incidents have been reported in North Kordofan and Darfur, raising alarms over rising fatalities and the humanitarian crisis.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sudan, condemned the deliberate attacks on civilian areas, calling it a serious violation of wartime laws. She urged an immediate cessation of such atrocities and acknowledged the severity of the crisis facing those in conflict-affected regions.
The food crisis in Sudan is deepening, as more than 70 hunger-related deaths, mainly among children, have been reported in Khartoum State. In January, over 1,100 cases of severe malnutrition were identified in Omdurman, demanding urgent assistance as access restrictions hinder vital support services, including community kitchens.
Mr. Dujarric reiterated the need for increased humanitarian funding and logistical support to sustain nutrition and healthcare programs. He stressed that vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, must receive adequate food assistance amid this growing catastrophe.
As the situation worsens, the UN continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian aid access. Ms. Nkweta-Salami implored all parties to cease hostilities, emphasizing that the suffering endured by Sudanese civilians has persisted for too long, calling for immediate action to end the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, as government troops engage in hostilities with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), previously allied but now rivals. Civilians, particularly from the embattled regions of Darfur and Kordofan, are suffering severe consequences, including summary executions, targeted violence, and a crippling humanitarian crisis characterized by famine and malnutrition, prompting urgent responses from international organizations.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels due to ongoing violence and starvation risks. The UN Secretary-General and other officials are calling for urgent action to protect civilians and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance. It is imperative for all parties involved in the conflict to recognize their responsibilities under international law and prioritize the safety and well-being of affected populations.
Original Source: news.un.org
