UNHCR commissioner calls immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan

April 18, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan and urged the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to return to negotiations.

Türk stated that the ongoing fighting was fuelled by power struggles and personal interests and that it was undermining the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. The fighting, which has concentrated on heavily populated areas of Khartoum and residential zones across the country, has exposed civilians to the risks of death and injury from air strikes, artillery shelling, and the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects.

At least 185 people have been killed and 1,800 wounded in the four days of fighting, with thousands more trapped in their homes without electricity or access to food, water or medicine.

The High Commissioner has called on both parties to remind their fighters of their international obligations to protect civilians and vital infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and ensure that these obligations are respected. He has also expressed dismay at reports of attempted rape and called for independent investigations into the deaths of civilians and violations of international law. Türk has demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

Sudan appeared to be heading towards an agreement to restore civilian rule a few weeks ago. Türk stated that common sense must prevail and that all parties must act to de-escalate tensions. He added that the Sudanese people’s shared interests must come first.

(ST)