The UN reported a sharp increase in civilian deaths in Sudan, with 275 fatalities noted from January 31 to February 5, marking a threefold increase from the previous week. Intensified conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states poses a grave humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian workers are also threatened, facing violence and intimidation amid critical shortages of supplies and rising malnutrition rates.
Recent reports from the UN human rights office indicate a dramatic surge in civilian deaths in Sudan, with a recorded toll of at least 275 individuals between January 31 and February 5. This statistic marks a threefold increase from the previous week, which recorded at least 89 fatalities amidst ongoing hostilities. The crisis is exacerbated by escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, raising significant humanitarian concerns as articulated by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
The conflict in Sudan has intensified in recent days, characterized by ongoing artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks targeting densely populated regions, including Khartoum and both North and South Darfur as well as Kordofan. Notably, Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, has experienced at least 80 civilian casualties amid reports of women and children being utilized as human shields. Additionally, the threat of heightened violence in Blue Nile is imminent, as there are alarming reports of mass mobilization for conflict.
Seif Magango, a spokesperson for OHCHR, highlighted the grim reality civilians face amidst the failure of conflict parties to ensure their protection. The escalating death toll exemplifies the urgent need for accountability and a reassessment of safety measures for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Moreover, humanitarian workers face grave dangers, with reports indicating that some aid volunteers have been wrongfully accused of colluding with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), making them targets for harassment and violence. Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, at least 57 members of a local volunteer network have tragically lost their lives, highlighting the risks they encounter daily.
The situation is further aggravated by severe shortages in medical supplies and increasing food insecurity, especially within South Kordofan, where rates of malnutrition are escalating alarmingly. The OHCHR has called on all conflicting parties to cease indiscriminate attacks and to uphold their obligations under international law, emphasizing the need for the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF to take concrete measures to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to escalate, with a notable increase in civilian deaths and significant threats to aid workers. The urgent call for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law underscores the dire need for an immediate resolution to the violence. As the situation deteriorates, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize civilian safety and humanitarian access to avert a catastrophic disaster.
Original Source: news.un.org
