The violence in Sudan has claimed the lives of over 600 people, including civilians, and displaced hundreds of thousands, prompting the United Nations’ top human rights body to adopt a resolution addressing the escalating civilian deaths and rights abuses. The resolution, narrowly passed by the 47-member Human Rights Council, seeks to shed light on the human rights violations occurring in Sudan since April 15.The conflict in Sudan originated from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s military, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Fifteen countries, predominantly from Arab and African nations, voted against the resolution, expressing concerns about its potential impact on ongoing peace talks. They argued that external pressure could hinder the negotiations taking place between the military and the RSF in Saudi Arabia.Conversely, most Western countries, including Europe and the United States, supported the resolution as co-sponsors.
During the session, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, accused both forces of violating international humanitarian law. Turk condemned the Sudanese military for launching attacks in densely populated areas and the RSF for seizing buildings in Khartoum, displacing residents and launching attacks from these bases.The UN has voiced concerns about the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire, emphasizing the need for food security, aid deliveries, and support for neighboring countries hosting those fleeing the violence. Reports of sexual violence, unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and looting have also been received. The targeting of hospitals and healthcare providers was strongly condemned by the US ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, Michèle Taylor.
Several hospitals in Khartoum have been damaged and forced to close due to the ongoing fighting.Independent experts affiliated with the UN rights office released a joint statement highlighting various human rights abuses experienced by Sudanese civilians, including sexual assault, gender-based violence, and shortages of food, water, and healthcare. The situation remains dire, requiring urgent attention and international efforts to address the escalating crisis in Sudan.