The UN report on Sudan’s civil war details severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and threats to children and ethnic minorities. It urges immediate reforms and actions from both military factions and the international community to address these ongoing abuses and humanitarian concerns.
A recent United Nations report has revealed extensive human rights violations during the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The findings point to arbitrary detentions, torture, and inhumane treatment of detainees by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Approximately tens of thousands, including women and children, have been detained without charges since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago, enduring harsh conditions that contravene international human rights standards.
The report, which spans from April 2023 to June 2024, draws from testimonies of 34 former detainees, their relatives, and witnesses, highlighting systematic abuse such as beatings and appalling living conditions. Detainees often face overcrowded environments, insufficient food and water, and a lack of necessary medical care, resulting in numerous fatalities due to neglect. UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk condemned these practices, stating that such treatment is profoundly distressing.
Particularly concerning are the incidents involving child detainees as young as 13 being held with adults and minors serving as guards in RSF-run facilities. Additionally, the report documents incidents of sexual violence against women in two detention centers managed by the RSF. Ethnic discrimination is also emphasized, with detainees from the Darfur and Kordofan regions facing disproportionate hardship, particularly individuals from African tribes.
The RSF and SAF reportedly target individuals based on their perceived affiliations with opposing factions, further exacerbating ethnic profiling within detention centers. Notably, the report raises alarm over cases of enforced disappearances, where families struggle to obtain information about their detained relatives, with some facing intimidation for inquiring about their whereabouts.
While the report focuses on Khartoum State, it acknowledges that similar abuses are recurrent in other areas, notably Darfur and Al-Jazirah State. Concerns are also raised regarding the transfer of detainees to South Darfur, which could heighten human rights violations. Turk emphasized the necessity for immediate intervention from all conflict parties to rectify these violations, stating that these actions undermine the rule of law and exacerbate the ongoing crisis.
The report advocates for an immediate halt to arbitrary detentions and torture, improvements in detention conditions, and enhanced access to justice. It urges the international community to engage with both Sudanese authorities and armed groups to address these abuses and work towards resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite the report’s release, the ongoing conflict in Sudan shows no signs of resolution, prompting continuous calls for urgent action from the global community.
The UN report unveils grave human rights violations in Sudan’s civil war, emphasizing arbitrary detentions, torture, and exploitation, especially affecting women and children. Volker Turk’s statements highlight the pressing need for immediate humanitarian intervention and justice reforms. The international community is urged to engage actively to address these abuses and strive for a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, as the situation remains dire and unresolved.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
