The UN Secretary-General has condemned the Rapid Support Forces’ violence in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, resulting in over 135,000 civilian displacements in ten days. He highlighted serious human rights violations, called for accountability, and urged facilitated humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern regarding the escalating violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Al Jazirah state, Sudan. As reports emerge indicating that over 135,000 civilians have been displaced within a mere ten days, Guterres’s condemnation underscores the urgency of the situation. In a statement delivered by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, it was reported that the Secretary-General is “appalled by the large numbers of civilians being killed, detained and displaced, acts of sexual violence against women and girls, the looting of homes and markets and the burning of farms.” He further noted that these actions may represent severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, emphasizing that those responsible must face accountability. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has voiced its deep worries about civilians who are either trapped amidst the fighting or compelled to flee their homes. “As we have repeatedly said, civilians must be protected whether they move or stay, and they must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need,” highlighted Dujarric. During a press briefing, Dujarric shared information from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has recorded the displacement of more than 135,000 persons from various areas of Al Jazirah between October 20 and October 30. Notably, over half of these individuals have sought refuge in Gedaref state, while close to a third have found shelter in Kassala state. In light of the evolving humanitarian crisis, UN agencies, alongside humanitarian partners, are mobilizing efforts to deliver emergency assistance to the influx of displaced individuals. This aid encompasses family tracing, reunification services, and mental health support. Despite these measures, the situation remains dire, with widespread hunger and disease afflicting the population, which now predominantly requires humanitarian aid. Consequently, Secretary-General Guterres has called on all relevant parties to ensure safe, prompt, and unobstructed humanitarian access to civilians in need. He has also reiterated the necessity of an immediate ceasefire, while announcing that his Personal Envoy will persist in engaging with crucial stakeholders to facilitate de-escalation of the ongoing conflict and bolster civilian protection measures.
The conflict in Sudan, particularly the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), reflects ongoing humanitarian crises that lead to significant civilian distress. In recent weeks, violent escalations have prompted mass displacements, exacerbating the need for urgent humanitarian assistance. The UN’s involvement signifies its commitment to addressing these pressing humanitarian issues and emphasizes the importance of maintaining international laws designed to protect civilians during conflict.
In summary, the United Nations has issued a strong denunciation of the recent violence in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, highlighting the extensive civilian suffering resulting from RSF attacks. The displacement of over 135,000 individuals underscores the critical need for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, with a call for accountability for those breaching humanitarian laws. The UN’s proactive measures and calls for a ceasefire denote a crucial step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
