Darfur remains focus of UN rights monitoring as Türk hears displaced testimonies
January 17, 2026 (GENEVA) – The United Nations human rights office said on Saturday that the Darfur region remains its primary focus in Sudan, as it continues to document reports of gross violations in the region, Kordofan, and other parts of the country.
In a statement to Sudan Tribune, the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) explained that it is monitoring the situation through direct interviews with victims and those fleeing the conflict, as well as through remote documentation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk arrived in Port Sudan on Wednesday for talks with officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and justice, and the Attorney General. He also visited the Northern State, which currently hosts about 200,000 people who fled violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and military operations in Darfur and Kordofan over the past three months.
Türk heard testimonies from displaced persons regarding the “horrors and violations” they endured during their journey to safety. The RSF has faced widespread accusations of gross violations against civilians during its war against the Sudanese army, which has affected Khartoum, Gezira state, and most cities in western Sudan.
The OHCHR confirmed it maintains an operational presence in Port Sudan and Kassala to coordinate with international and national partners and to support accountability efforts, despite ongoing field access restrictions in conflict zones. Regarding the escalation of fighting, the office said it is in constant contact with the warring parties to raise concerns about violations in El Fasher and other areas, reminding them of their obligations under international law to protect civilians.
The media office described the file of detainees and the forcibly disappeared in Sudan as one of the most complex challenges currently facing the country. It called for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and urged authorities to reveal the fate and location of the disappeared. The office affirmed its commitment to independent investigations to ensure accountability and reparations for victims.
The OHCHR emphasized that its findings are regularly submitted to the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies to ensure the Sudanese crisis remains a priority for the international community and to sustain global advocacy efforts.