UN High Commissioner discusses human rights concerns with Sudanese military leaders
Port Sudan, May 14, 2024 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, conducted separate calls on Tuesday with Sudanese military leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti”, to address the escalating human rights issues in Sudan amid ongoing conflicts.
Both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are under scrutiny for allegations of torturing, detaining, and executing civilians accused of siding with opposition forces. These accusations extend to the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid despite reports of residents in Darfur and Kordofan consuming leaves due to severe food shortages.
A statement from the Sovereign Council highlighted that its chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, discussed these pressing human rights concerns with Türk. Al-Burhan reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding human rights, grounded in Sudanese heritage and aligned with international standards and agreements.
Al-Burhan affirmed the army’s professional conduct, adherence to strict laws, and international norms designed to safeguard civilians, expressing Sudan’s willingness to collaborate further with the Human Rights Commission and to host an independent expert.
Controversially, the army faces accusations from Médecins Sans Frontières of recent air raids on civilian infrastructure, notably near a children’s hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, which resulted in casualties among children and health workers. Army officials contend that these strikes target military installations of the Rapid Support Forces, which are allegedly located within civilian areas.
On the other side, Hemetti, leader of the Rapid Support Forces, also engaged in a dialogue with Türk, discussing the protection of civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. He emphasized the forces’ commitment to international and humanitarian law, ensuring the protection and consideration of civilian needs during conflicts.
Hemetti conveyed to Türk a continued dedication to peace, denying any intent to perpetuate or expand the conflict, and lamenting the lack of similar resolve from opposing factions.
Furthermore, the Rapid Support Forces have been implicated in aggressive assaults on civilian communities in Al-Jazirah State, causing widespread terror, casualties, and displacement, with looting including agricultural harvests. Human Rights Watch has specifically named Hemetti, along with his brother Abdel Rahim Daglo and Juma Barka Allah, a commander in West Darfur, as accountable for these actions, categorizing them as genocidal offences in El Geneina and beyond.
This engagement by the UN High Commissioner underscores an urgent international response to the deepening human rights crisis in Sudan, as both government and rebel forces face global scrutiny for their actions during the conflict.