Sudan: Civilian Death Toll Triples Amid Escalating Violence

In Sudan, civilian deaths reached 275 between 31 January and 5 February, tripling from the previous week. Violence has intensified, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Humanitarian workers are at risk, with reports of fatalities among aid volunteers and severe shortages of medical supplies and food security issues.

The civilian death toll in Sudan has seen a distressing surge, with at least 275 individuals killed between 31 January and 5 February, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This statistic indicates a threefold increase in civilian fatalities compared to the previous week, during which at least 89 civilians lost their lives amid ongoing hostilities. This alarming rise is primarily attributed to intensified violence particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States, which exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation, as stated by UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.

Recent developments have seen an escalation of conflict characterized by artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks impacting heavily populated regions including Khartoum and North and South Darfur, as well as North and South Kordofan. In South Kordofan’s capital, Kadugli, at least 80 civilians have reportedly perished, with distressing accounts of women and children being employed as human shields during these assaults. The threat of further violence remains acute in Blue Nile, underpinned by mass mobilization for conflict.

The increase in civilian death toll signals the profound risks faced by non-combatants, highlighting a failure by the parties engaged in conflict to uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians. Seif Magango, spokesperson for OHCHR, commented on this situation, underscoring the alarming reality that civilians remain extremely vulnerable amidst ongoing hostilities. Furthermore, humanitarian efforts are severely hampered, with aid workers becoming targets of violence due to wrongful accusations of collusion with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, at least 57 members of a local volunteer network have tragically lost their lives.

In addition, critical shortages of medical supplies and an escalating food crisis are prevalent in South Kordofan, leading to alarming rates of malnutrition. The OHCHR has made an urgent appeal for all parties involved in the conflict to cease indiscriminate attacks and targeted violence against civilians. It is imperative that the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, as well as their aligned movements and militias, adhere to their obligations under international law and take tangible measures to safeguard civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders.

The situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, with escalating hostilities resulting in a tripling of civilian casualties within a week. The conflict’s impact on humanitarian efforts is severe, with aid workers under threat and critical supply shortages exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international law to mitigate further suffering.

Original Source: news.un.org