Sudan: Civilian Casualties Surge Amid Escalating Violence
The civilian death toll in Sudan surged to 275 from January 31 to February 5, marking a threefold increase due to escalated violence. Regions like South Kordofan and Blue Nile face a humanitarian crisis with worsening security for aid workers. The UN has called for an immediate end to attacks against civilians and compliance with international law obligations by all conflict parties.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported a staggering increase in civilian deaths in Sudan, with at least 275 fatalities between January 31 and February 5, indicating a threefold rise from the previous week’s toll of 89. This escalation is exacerbated by ongoing violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, leading to a looming humanitarian catastrophe, as highlighted by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
Recent conflicts have intensified dramatically, characterized by artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks that have severely affected civilian regions, including Khartoum, North and South Darfur, and North and South Kordofan. In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, at least 80 civilian casualties have been reported, with alarming accounts of women and children being exploited as human shields. Additionally, Blue Nile is witnessing a rise in the mobilization for conflict, increasing the threat of violence in the area.
Seif Magango, the OHCHR spokesperson, remarked, “The sharp increase in civilian deaths underscores the dire risks civilians face amid the continued failure by the parties to the conflict and their allies to protect civilians.”
Moreover, humanitarian workers are also facing grave threats, as accusations against them have led to intimidation. Reportedly, at least 57 members of a local volunteer network have lost their lives since the conflict commenced in April 2023. Critical shortages of medical supplies and rising food insecurity, especially in South Kordofan, further aggravate the humanitarian situation, with malnutrition rates escalating alarmingly.
The OHCHR has issued urgent calls for all groups engaged in the conflict to cease indiscriminate attacks and targeted violence against civilians. Mr. Magango stressed, “The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—along with their allied movements and militias—must respect their international law obligations and take concrete steps to protect civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders.”
In summary, the civilian death toll in Sudan has alarmingly reached 275 within a week, driven by intensified conflict and grave risks to humanitarian workers. The international community is urged to respond to this escalating humanitarian crisis and demand protection for civilians and humanitarian aid personnel. The urgency for action to alleviate suffering and reinforce adherence to international humanitarian law is paramount in these troubling times.
Original Source: news.un.org
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