The Rapid Support Forces in Sudan have engaged in violent attacks against civilians, leading to numerous casualties and displacements. Human Rights Watch urges the United Kingdom to advocate for UN intervention to protect civilians during its presidency of the Security Council in November as the situation deteriorates further.
Human Rights Watch has reported severe attacks on civilians by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Al Gezira state, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and unlawful detentions, including cases of sexual violence. In light of this escalating violence, the organization urges the United Kingdom to leverage its upcoming presidency of the UN Security Council in November to advocate for the deployment of a mission aimed at protecting Sudanese civilians. Following the recent defection of a key RSF ally, an increase in assaults on at least 30 villages has been documented, displacing over 130,000 individuals. The RSF’s actions have triggered a wave of violence against innocent civilians, highlighting an urgent need for international intervention. The ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which exacerbates the situation, has led to serious human rights violations, including reports of targeted killings and sexual abuse of women and girls. Interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch, alongside verified videos, present a troubling picture of the situation on the ground, where the RSF has displayed a staggering disregard for human life and dignity. Despite communication challenges impeding on-the-ground reporting, alarming testimonies reveal the terror faced by residents. Witnesses recount horrific incidents, including RSF soldiers issuing threats of violence against anyone perceived to have ties to the SAF. The RSF’s recent attacks have claimed the lives of at least 300 civilians and left hundreds more injured, amplifying calls for immediate action from the international community. The reports of sexual violence are equally distressing, with numerous cases of rape identified among victims, including minors. Tragically, the impact of these assaults has led some survivors to take their own lives. Local health officials have documented more than 27 incidents of sexual violence against women and girls aged between 6 and 60. With the situation in the region deteriorating, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen amid ongoing looting and restrictions on access to aid. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the critical role that the UK must play in confronting this crisis. With the Security Council set to deliberate on issues of civilian protection, there exists a vital opportunity for the UK to champion human rights in Sudan by advocating for a dedicated civilian protection mission. Furthermore, it is imperative that UN member states increase support for independent fact-finding missions to clarify human rights violations. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As articulated by Mohamed Osman of Human Rights Watch, “The United Kingdom, as penholder on Sudan, needs to step up at this moment of crisis and ensure that the calls of those desperately in need of protection in Sudan are not ignored.” This statement underscores the necessity for prompt and decisive action from global and regional leaders in the face of these alarming developments.
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has led to widespread human rights abuses against civilians. Since late 2023, particularly after the defection of an RSF ally, there has been an escalation in violence targeting villages in Al Gezira state, raising concerns about civilian safety and humanitarian needs. Various human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented atrocities, including killings, unlawful detention, and sexual violence, prompting calls for international intervention to protect affected populations.
The situation in Sudan’s Al Gezira state has reached critical levels, necessitating urgent intervention by international actors. The continued aggression of the RSF against civilians, marked by heinous acts, underscores the pressing need for a dedicated protective mission by the United Nations. The United Kingdom’s leadership within the UN Security Council presents a pivotal opportunity to advocate for humanitarian action and support for those afflicted by this prevailing crisis. The international community must not remain passive amidst these alarming trends; immediate action is essential to safeguard the lives of vulnerable populations in Sudan.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
