News comment: Ongoing atrocities in Sudan demand action

On this International Human Rights Day, when we mark progress made towards the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights for all, it is imperative that we also recognize the many people, including millions of Sudanese children, women and men who continue to suffer egregious violations daily.

I spent the last week in Sudan, where I spoke with people in Ad Dabah, in Northern State, who fled El Fasher, Darfur following the takeover of the city by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 26 October. They repeatedly described the terror of the conflict and the many dangers they faced on their journey to relative safety. Many witnessed or directly suffered physical and sexual violence, and the targeting of predominately young men for abduction or detention. They spoke of armed men searching for civilians trying to escape the city, and either killing them or forcing them to return. Several of those who managed to finally escape, told of sadness and fear of not knowing the fate of family members who remain in harm’s way.

Equally distressing reports have been received from displaced families reaching Tawila, in North Darfur, where the number of displaced Sudanese has now increased to over 650,000 people. I am gravely concerned about the significant number of people who, despite fleeing El Fasher since the RSF takeover of the city, continue to be trapped in dangerous rural areas east of the city, like Korma, Jebel Wana and Garni. Reports indicate that those displaced are not staying in these areas by choice, but are blocked from onward movement, often facing extreme violence while their families who did manage to escape, are often forced to pay ransom to secure their loved ones’ release.

UNHCR reiterates calls by the UN Secretary General for all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. Urgent action is needed to stop the violence in and around El Fasher, to enable civilians to move to safe locations of their choice and to ensure life-saving humanitarian aid is accessible to all those who need it.

In the Kordofan region, where fighting has been dramatically intensifying, it is equally imperative that every measure is taken to reduce the impact of the conflict in populated areas, and that civilians attempting to flee are able to do so safely. Right now, many families who decide to escape are forced to separate, leaving male relatives behind in besieged areas like Kadugli and Diling while women, children and the elderly set off on long and dangerous journeys. Wherever civilians are, they must be able to access life-saving aid. This requires that every measure be taken to enable humanitarian workers to effectively and safely operate, free of interference.

Today on International Human Rights Day it is imperative that we redouble efforts across Sudan to safeguard the protection of those whose most basic and essential human rights are threatened daily, so that they can live in safety and dignity.

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For more information please contact:

• In Sudan: Assadullah Nasrullah, [email protected], +249 912 178 991
• In Nairobi (regional): Faith Kasina, [email protected], +254 113 427 094
• In Geneva: Eujin Byun, [email protected], +41 79 747 87 19