The UN Human Rights Office condemned rising civilian casualties in Sudan as fighting escalates between SAF and RSF. Reports indicate violations of humanitarian law include looting and arbitrary detentions. The humanitarian situation is dire, especially in North Darfur, where checkpoints restrict access to vital resources. Urgent intervention is needed to avert a famine crisis in the region before February 2025.
The UN Human Rights Office recently condemned the rising civilian casualties in Sudan amid escalating armed conflict. This condemnation follows escalated hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly around Khartoum, where both factions have reportedly violated international humanitarian law by looting civilian supplies and engaging in arbitrary detentions.
Further reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicate that recent violence has resulted in significant civilian loss. A drone strike in the Imtedaad Nasir area of East Khartoum reportedly killed five women, while artillery fire in Karari claimed multiple lives and injured over 40 individuals, including children. The targeting of residential areas exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation.
In North Darfur, conditions have deteriorated drastically, with armed clashes in and around El Fasher displacing thousands and pushing many towards Zamzam camp. OCHA reports that checkpoints hinder civilian movement, impacting access to essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies. The UN has alerted that without urgent aid, the crisis may worsen, potentially leading to famine by February 2025.
The principle of distinction under international humanitarian law mandates that conflicting parties must differentiate between civilians and combatants during military operations. Grave breaches of this principle can be classified as war crimes according to the Rome Statute.
The UN has previously spotlighted the worsening humanitarian conditions in Sudan and reported that the ongoing conflict has led to the suspension of humanitarian assistance by the UN World Food Programme. The African Union characterized Sudan as enduring one of the most critical humanitarian crises globally.
In conclusion, the UN’s condemnation of the escalating violence in Sudan underscores the rising humanitarian crisis fueled by the conflict between SAF and RSF. Violations of international humanitarian law by both sides contribute to a worsening situation for civilians. As conditions deteriorate, particularly in North Darfur, urgent international intervention is necessary to prevent a famine and address the acute needs of the affected populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
