The civilian death toll in Sudan has surged to at least 275, a threefold increase from the previous week, amid intensifying conflicts, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Armed assaults, including artillery shelling and drone attacks, threaten civilians, with humanitarian workers also facing violence. The OHCHR calls for the protection of civilians, stressing that all parties must comply with international law obligations.
The civilian death toll in Sudan has tragically increased, as reported by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). At least 275 civilians were killed from January 31 to February 5, marking a threefold increase from the previous week’s count of 89 fatalities amidst ongoing hostilities. The situation is aggravated by escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, leading to a looming humanitarian disaster according to UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
During this week, the conflict has escalated significantly, with artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks targeting densely populated areas in Khartoum, North and South Darfur, and North and South Kordofan. In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, at least 80 civilians have suffered casualties, with troubling reports of women and children being utilized as human shields. The violence threatens to escalate further in Blue Nile amidst reports of mass mobilization for conflict.
Seif Magango, spokesperson for OHCHR, highlighted the increasing risk civilians face during these conflicts, stating, “The sharp increase in civilian deaths underscores the dire risks civilians face amid the continued failure by the parties to the conflict and their allies to protect civilians.” Humanitarian volunteers are also in jeopardy as some aid workers have faced allegations of collusion with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rendering them vulnerable to intimidation and violence. Notably, at least 57 members of a local volunteer network have been killed since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
Amidst rising death tolls, both medical supply shortages and food insecurity are becoming critical, particularly in South Kordofan, where malnutrition rates are escalating. The OHCHR has strongly urged all factions in the conflict to cease indiscriminate and targeted attacks on civilians. Mr. Magango emphasized that “The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces – and their allied movements and militias – must respect their international law obligations and take concrete steps to protect civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders.”,
The ongoing crisis in Sudan has resulted in an alarming rise in civilian casualties as hostilities continue to escalate. The conflict primarily affects regions such as South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly. As violence intensifies with artillery shelling and airstrikes, particularly in urban areas, the international community is increasingly concerned about the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in these war-torn regions.
The dramatic rise in civilian deaths in Sudan underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations amid ongoing violence. There is a pressing requirement for all parties involved to adhere to international law and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. The international community must continue to monitor the situation and push for essential humanitarian assistance in affected areas.
Original Source: news.un.org
