Sudan War Crisis and Ceasefire Call

Human Rights Chief Türk Renews Call for End to Spiralling Sudan War

Politics

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan as attacks on civilians and critical services continue.

UN rights chief Volker Türk has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan
The SAF and RSF have increasingly used long-range drones in attacks
Millions of Sudanese people have been displaced inside and outside the country
Reports indicate that attacks have damaged hospitals and other civilian infrastructure
UN investigators found grounds to believe both sides may have committed war crimes

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has gone into its fourth year, leading to one of the most tragic humanitarian disasters around the world. Around six million people have been internally displaced in Sudan, whereas 4.5 million more have left Sudan across its borders.

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has demanded an immediate ceasefire, disengagement from any outside interference, and a return to inclusive civilian governance in Sudan.

The appeal comes after a report was issued by independent experts designated by the UN Human Rights Council. The report draws attention to the increasing use of long-range drones by forces from both the SAF and RSF. Attacks have been reported beyond the usual frontlines.

The report has also noted allegations that there has been external help provided to RSF fighters from the UAE, Chad, southern parts of Libya, and Puntland in Somalia.

Drone attacks have been reported to target residential areas, schools, hospitals, markets, and displacement sites. RSF drone attacks targeting El Obeid, North Kordofan, have reportedly caused damage to water, energy, and other vital infrastructure for civilians.

Attacks targeting civilians were also documented in the report. RSF drone attacks targeting a kindergarten and a hospital in Kalogie, South Kordofan, reportedly killed 114 people, of whom 60 were children. An SAF attack targeting Ad-Da'ein Teaching Hospital killed at least 70 people.

It was stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes may have been committed by both parties because they have seriously violated human rights and international humanitarian law.

The healthcare sector of Sudan has not been spared from destruction as well. WHO revealed that at least three major hospitals in Khartoum have been severely damaged, with their operating theatres destroyed. Business Honor observes that Sudan’s war continues to put civilians and essential services at serious risk, making an immediate ceasefire vital to prevent further suffering.