Credible reports of at least 13 mass graves in Darfur: UN
September 13, 2023 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Joint Human Rights office received credible reports about the existence of at least 13 mass graves in El Geneina, a city in Sudan’s Darfur region, and its surrounding areas, Volker Perthes, head of the UN mission in the country (UNITAMS) said on Wednesday.
The mass graves, he told the UN Security Council, contained victims of attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias on civilians, the majority of whom were from the Masalit community.
“UNITAMS and UN colleagues are documenting these violations and recall that these acts, if verified, may constitute war crimes,” explained Perthes.
The official, who announced his resignation from his role in Sudan, said ethnically targeted violence in the city of El Geneina, has escalated sharply since conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s army erupted in the capital Khartoum in mid-April.
He also cited acts of sexual violence and other forms of violence against women.
“I remain appalled by the widespread acts of sexual violence and other forms of violence against women. We need credible investigations, accountability for these crimes, as well as services provided for survivors,” said Perthes.
The top UN official commended efforts of Sudanese women and community-based support groups, such as the Emergency Rooms and Resistance Committees, who continue to provide urgent relief assistance, despite the risks.
He also said civilian activists are making efforts leading several anti-war initiatives.
“These initiatives urge the parties to cease violence, to address urgent humanitarian needs and relaunch a political dialogue”, he remarked.
The UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) said over 7 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to fighting between rival military factions.
Meanwhile Perthes commended the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for their respective roadmaps and efforts to facilitate a political solution aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“International and regional actors also need to coordinate the ways and means of influencing the parties to accept a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” he stressed, adding “Most importantly in this context, I urge member states to stem the flow of weapons into Sudan and to refrain from resupplying either side”.
At least 20.3 million people across Sudan are acutely food insecure and need food and livelihood assistance between July and September 2023, according to the latest integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on the war-torn nation.
(ST)