The civilian death toll in Sudan has risen to 275 in one week, tripling from 89 deaths previously reported. Escalating violence, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian workers face threats and violence, complicating efforts to provide aid. An urgent call from OHCHR stresses the need for protection of civilians and compliance with international law.
In Sudan, the civilian death toll has surged to at least 275 within just one week, reflecting a tripling from the previous total of 89 fatalities reported by the UN human rights office, OHCHR. This alarming rise occurred between January 31 and February 5, driven by intensified violence in areas such as South Kordofan and Blue Nile, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis as articulated by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
The ongoing conflict has seen a marked escalation, with artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks ravaging populated regions, particularly affecting Khartoum and North and South Darfur. In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, civilian casualties have reached at least 80, with disturbing reports of women and children being exploited as human shields. The violence in the Blue Nile region is also escalating, indicating a potential for larger-scale conflict.
Seif Magango, OHCHR spokesperson, underscored the critical situation, stating that the sharp rise in civilian deaths highlights the insufficient protection afforded to civilians amidst the persistent failure of the conflicting parties to safeguard non-combatants. This situation is compounded by threats to humanitarian workers, who have faced intimidation and violence, with at least one individual receiving death threats due to false allegations of collaborating 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 reportedly been killed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The conditions are further deteriorating due to severe shortages of medical supplies and rising food insecurity, especially in South Kordofan, where malnutrition rates are escalating significantly.
In response, OHCHR has called on all involved parties to halt indiscriminate and targeted violence against civilians. Magango emphasized that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, along with their allied groups, must adhere to international law obligations and implement effective measures to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights advocates.
The surge in civilian deaths in Sudan highlights the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by escalating violence in critical regions. Several areas face severe casualties, and humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted, further complicating aid efforts. OHCHR’s urgent call for adherence to international law stresses the need for immediate protective measures for civilians amidst ongoing hostilities.
Original Source: news.un.org
