UN Calls for Urgent Action Amid Civilian Executions and Rising…

The UN Secretary-General condemned reported civilian executions in Sudan amid rising starvation risks. Continued conflict between government troops and RSF has led to civilian casualties and an escalating humanitarian crisis. Over 70 hunger-related deaths have been reported, particularly among children, and malnutrition rates are on the rise, requiring immediate international response and support.

The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed deep concern regarding reports of summary executions of civilians in Khartoum North, allegedly executed by militias and fighters allied with the military government. Many victims hail from the marginalized Darfur and Kordofan regions. The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, reminded all parties of their international legal obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, highlighting the suffering of Sudanese men, women, and children amidst ongoing armed conflict.

Since April 2023, government troops have engaged in fierce battles with their former allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to heightened violence and civilian casualties. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the conflict as a senseless war marked by war crimes on both sides, which has disproportionately endangered civilians further. His office is actively working to verify claims of ethnic targeting and brutal killings.

The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with persistent attacks on civilians throughout Sudan. Notably, a recent attack on a marketplace in Omdurman resulted in at least 60 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Civilian casualties have also been reported in various regions, including North Kordofan and both North and South Darfur. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, strongly denounced the violence, emphasizing that targeting civilians represents a grave breach of the laws of war and must cease immediately.

The food crisis is intensifying, with OCHA reporting over 70 hunger-related deaths, particularly among children in Khartoum State. Over 1,100 severe malnutrition cases were documented in January alone within three neighborhoods of Omdurman, revealing an urgent need for food aid. High malnutrition rates are observed in areas where access restrictions have shut down vital community kitchens that provide essential support for families facing starvation.

Mr. Dujarric reiterated the necessity for increased funding and logistical support for nutrition programs and community kitchens to ensure the most vulnerable people receive adequate food and healthcare. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the UN continues to urge all parties to safeguard civilians and facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance. Ms. Nkweta-Salami emphasized the prolonged suffering of Sudanese civilians and the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict to prevent further devastation.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as government forces and RSF engage in violent conflict, leading to numerous reports of civilian casualties and increasing food insecurity. With fighting ongoing since April 2023, civilians, particularly in marginalized regions like Darfur and Kordofan, have been severely impacted. The UN has highlighted the need for protection of civilians and access to humanitarian aid amid rising violence, malnutrition, and outright starvation.

In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to grave human rights violations, including summary executions and increased food insecurity. The UN calls for immediate action to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and end the violence that continues to claim innocent lives. With children and vulnerable populations suffering the most, urgent support for nutrition programs is critical.

Original Source: news.un.org