UN sounds alarm over escalating violence in Sudan’s Al Jazirah

October 30, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations voiced grave concern on Wednesday over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, citing alarming reports of widespread sexual violence and attacks on healthcare facilities.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said local authorities reported that over 27 women and girls aged between 6 and 60 had been subjected to rape and sexual violence in recent days. He added that at least six health facilities had been attacked, resulting in the deaths of two healthcare workers.

“These attacks on health facilities have severely disrupted the delivery of health services in the area,” Dujarric said. “Less than one-quarter of health facilities are functioning in the worst-impacted areas across Sudan.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that nearly 120,000 people have been displaced from localities in Al Jazirah in the past ten days alone.

Dujarric stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and allow them safe passage out of conflict zones. “Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited,” he said. “Perpetrators of serious violations must be held to account.”

The UN and its partners, including local organizations and volunteers, are providing essential aid such as food, healthcare, and other supplies to thousands of displaced people in Gedaref and Kassala states.

Dujarric reiterated the UN’s call for all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.