Examination of Detention Practices and Human Rights Violations in Khartoum State During the Sudan Conflict
The conflict in Khartoum, initiated on April 15, 2023, has severely impacted civilians, leading to widespread human rights abuses, including unlawful detentions. The RSF has taken control of significant areas, converting civilian infrastructure into military bases, while the SAF has engaged in fierce battles to regain control. This report focuses on the detention practices of both parties, emphasizing the human rights violations occurring in these facilities from April 2023 to June 2024.
On April 15, 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ignited in Khartoum, the capital with a pre-war populace exceeding nine million. The discord stemmed from disagreements related to security sector reforms, leading to widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws, including unlawful killings and arbitrary detentions. This violence particularly impacted civilians, resulting in massive displacement, significant damage to essential infrastructure, and a growing humanitarian crisis as urban warfare unfolded.
Following the outbreak of hostilities, by mid-2023, the RSF gained control over most of Khartoum State, establishing military bases in civilian areas such as homes and schools. Despite the RSF’s expansion, the SAF maintained its positions at strategic locations and engaged in ongoing combat to reclaim lost territory. By September 2024, the SAF intensified its offensives, further escalating confrontations across the region.
The report scrutinizes the detention practices of both the RSF and SAF within Khartoum State, focusing on their respective facilities. It draws from testimonies of victims and witnesses to illuminate severe human rights abuses and breaches of international humanitarian law occurring within these detention sites. The shifting dynamics of territorial control complicate the situation, exposing civilians to risks regardless of who governs at any time. The findings underscore the urgent need for oversight and protections for civilians, with the timeline of the report spanning April 15, 2023, to June 2024.
The conflict in Khartoum has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, including the rise of detention facilities used by the RSF and SAF, where serious human rights violations occur. The shifting power dynamics complicate the protection of civilians and call for urgent measures to safeguard their rights amidst the ongoing violence. Solidarity and international oversight are crucial for addressing these humanitarian crises and preventing further abuses in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
