UN Rights Chief Describes Sudan Conflict as Horror and Hell

United Nations Rights Chief Visits Sudan, Describes Humanitarian Crisis

Volker Turk, the United Nations rights chief, has visited Sudan for the first time since the conflict began in April 2023. During his trip to Port Sudan on Sudan’s Red Sea coast, Turk stated that the people of Sudan are experiencing “horror and hell” due to the ongoing war.

Turk expressed concern over the allocation of funds intended to alleviate the suffering of the population being diverted towards advanced weapons, particularly drones. The UN has repeatedly warned about foreign actors’ involvement in the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates is accused of supplying the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces with arms and support, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia back the Sudanese Armed Forces. Iran and Turkey also reportedly provide arms to the SAF.

Turk emphasized that the country faces “increasing militarization of society” by all parties involved in the conflict, including the arming of civilians and recruitment of children. He highlighted the need for accountability, stating that testimonies from survivors must be heard by those responsible for the atrocities.

The UN chief called on both sides to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as markets, health facilities, schools, and shelters. Both parties have been accused of committing war crimes, with a focus on the Rapid Support Forces, which was accused of killing at least 1,500 people during its October capture of el-Fasher in Darfur.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 30.4 million people out of Sudan’s population of 46.8 million require humanitarian assistance due to acute food insecurity and a nutrition crisis. The situation is further complicated by disease outbreaks and the world’s largest displacement crisis, with an estimated 13.6 million people displaced by the ongoing fighting.

Source: Al Jazeera