The United Nations has described the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region as catastrophic, warning of rising atrocities as fighting intensifies. UN human rights chief Volker Turk briefed the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, stressing the urgent need for international action.
According to Turk, thousands of civilians have been killed this year as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalate. He said both sides have shown “utter disregard” for international humanitarian law, putting millions of people at risk.
“After more than a year under RSF siege, the situation in El Fasher is catastrophic,” Turk told the council. He said civilians lack access to food, water, and medicine while facing constant bombardment.
The UN chief warned that sexual violence is widespread, particularly against displaced women and girls. With no safe escape routes, residents are trapped, enduring severe shortages and insecurity. Turk added that he has repeatedly raised the risk of ethnically motivated violence and further atrocities if the conflict continues unchecked.
“The scale of the suffering of the Sudanese people across this vast country is unfathomable,” he said, urging the world not to ignore the crisis.
Turk called on states to respect the UN arms embargo on Sudan, press both warring sides to protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access. He also urged renewed efforts for a ceasefire, which he said could open the path toward civilian rule and long-term peace.
Observers say the conflict has pushed Darfur to the brink of collapse, with aid agencies struggling to reach those in need. The worsening violence highlights the urgent need for stronger international engagement to address what the UN has repeatedly described as a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.
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