The civilian death toll in Sudan has surged to at least 275, tripling from earlier weeks. Reports indicate intensified violence in key areas, amidst threats to humanitarian workers. The OHCHR has called for an end to indiscriminate attacks and emphasizes the need for protection of civilians and aid workers by all parties involved in the conflict.
The UN’s human rights office reported a staggering rise in the civilian death toll in Sudan, with at least 275 fatalities recorded from January 31 to February 5, marking a threefold increase from the previous week’s toll of 89. Ongoing violence, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, is leading to a looming humanitarian crisis, as highlighted by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
Intensified hostilities are evident as artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks wreak havoc in densely populated areas, including Khartoum and various regions within Darfur and Kordofan. Specifically, Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, has reported around 80 civilian casualties, with disturbing accounts of women and children being utilized as human shields by combatants.
The escalating violence in Blue Nile presents further threats, characterized by reports of mass mobilization for combat. “The sharp increase in civilian deaths underscores the dire risks civilians face amid the continued failure by the parties to the conflict and their allies to protect civilians,” stated OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango.
Additionally, humanitarian workers in the region face newfound dangers. Some aid personnel are facing intimidation due to false accusations of collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, at least 57 members of a local volunteer group have lost their lives, further endangering critical humanitarian efforts in the area.
The OHCHR emphasizes the urgent need for all parties to cease indiscriminate attacks and protect civilians. “The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces – and their allied movements and militias – must respect their international law obligations and take concrete steps to protect civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders,” underscored Mr. Magango.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly, putting civilians at grave risk. The situation was exacerbated by the resurgence of warfare between the Sudanese Armed Forces and various rebel groups, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The UN and humanitarian organizations are sounding alarms over the humanitarian crisis, noting critical food shortages and the impact on local health infrastructure.
The report underscores a severe escalation in violence in Sudan, which has led to a dramatic increase in civilian casualties, particularly in conflict-heavy regions. Humanitarian aid efforts are in jeopardy, with volunteers facing threats and violence. The OHCHR highlights the immediate need for all conflict parties to adhere to international law and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers.
Original Source: news.un.org
