Sudan’s Civilian Death Toll Triples Amid Escalating Violence

The recent UN report indicates a tripling of civilian deaths in Sudan, rising from 89 to at least 275 in one week, with heightened violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Humanitarian workers face threats and have suffered casualties. OHCHR calls for immediate protection of civilians and the cessation of hostilities.

The recent surge in civilian deaths in Sudan has raised alarm, with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reporting a total of at least 275 fatalities from January 31 to February 5. This number reflects a concerning threefold increase from the previous week, which saw at least 89 civilian casualties, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.

The ongoing violence is particularly intense in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where the threat of a humanitarian crisis looms large. Artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks have decimated populated areas, notably affecting Khartoum, North and South Darfur, and North and South Kordofan. Reports indicate that South Kordofan’s capital, Kadugli, has experienced significant civilian casualties, with alarming accounts of human shield tactics involving women and children.

The risks to civilians are underscored by the OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango, who stressed the critical nature of the situation as parties involved in the conflict fail to adhere to their responsibilities to safeguard civilians. Additionally, humanitarian volunteers face increasing threats, including wrongful accusations and targeted violence, which have already claimed the lives of at least 57 local volunteer network members since the conflict’s resurgence in April 2023.

The humanitarian crisis is compounded by a lack of essential medical supplies and escalating food insecurity, especially in South Kordofan, where malnutrition rates are alarmingly high. OHCHR has issued an urgent appeal to all conflict parties to cease indiscriminate attacks and violence against civilian populations, highlighting the necessity for adherence to international law obligations that protect both civilians and humanitarian workers.

The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically since April 2023, with increasing violence leading to substantial civilian casualties. The situation has particularly deteriorated in regions such as South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, where humanitarian conditions are dire. The latest reports have revealed a significant spike in both civilian deaths and threats against humanitarian workers, marking a grave humanitarian crisis filled with challenges, including malnutrition and medical supply shortages.

In summary, the violence in Sudan has resulted in a sharp increase in civilian deaths and poses a severe threat to humanitarian workers. The international community is called to respond to these urgent humanitarian needs and advocate for the protection of civilians. Without immediate action to mitigate the violence and support humanitarian efforts, the situation is likely to worsen, deepening the crisis.

Original Source: news.un.org