UN Appalled by Brutal Attacks in Darfur, Citing 89 Civilian Deaths
The UN High Commission for Human Rights reports on the brutal attacks by Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's western region of Darfur, resulting in at least 89 civilian deaths.
The UN High Commission for Human Rights expressed its deep concern over the 'brutal' attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's western region of Darfur.
According to reports, these attacks have claimed the lives of at least 89 civilians, including 16 who were summarily executed, within a span of 10 days this month.
The incidents took place between August 11 and 20 in El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, and the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp.
Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for commissioner Volker Turk, disclosed these details during a briefing in Geneva.
While the death toll is believed to be higher, with at least 57 casualties reported on August 11 alone, another 32 fatalities were recorded between August 16 and 20.
Among the victims were 16 civilians from the African Zaghawa tribe who were summarily executed in Abu Shouk camp.
An additional fatality occurred in El-Fasher when an RSF fighter killed a man claiming to be from the African Berti tribe.
The spokesperson emphasized that these attacks on civilians and intentional killings constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, exacerbating concerns about ethnically motivated violence.
The RSF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including bombings and blockades in El-Fasher, which has served as a military stronghold in the region.
Furthermore, the RSF has repeatedly targeted displacement camps such as Abu Shouk and Zamzam, leading to their near abandonment due to fear of attacks and famine conditions.
The RSF traces its origins to the Janjaweed militias, accused of severe human rights violations during the early 2000s Darfur conflict.
The ongoing war between the RSF and Sudan's military, which began in earnest in April 2023, has already resulted in over 40,000 deaths, displaced more than 14 million people, and led to extreme conditions such as starvation among some populations.
Both parties are being investigated by the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to reports, these attacks have claimed the lives of at least 89 civilians, including 16 who were summarily executed, within a span of 10 days this month.
The incidents took place between August 11 and 20 in El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, and the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp.
Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for commissioner Volker Turk, disclosed these details during a briefing in Geneva.
While the death toll is believed to be higher, with at least 57 casualties reported on August 11 alone, another 32 fatalities were recorded between August 16 and 20.
Among the victims were 16 civilians from the African Zaghawa tribe who were summarily executed in Abu Shouk camp.
An additional fatality occurred in El-Fasher when an RSF fighter killed a man claiming to be from the African Berti tribe.
The spokesperson emphasized that these attacks on civilians and intentional killings constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, exacerbating concerns about ethnically motivated violence.
The RSF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including bombings and blockades in El-Fasher, which has served as a military stronghold in the region.
Furthermore, the RSF has repeatedly targeted displacement camps such as Abu Shouk and Zamzam, leading to their near abandonment due to fear of attacks and famine conditions.
The RSF traces its origins to the Janjaweed militias, accused of severe human rights violations during the early 2000s Darfur conflict.
The ongoing war between the RSF and Sudan's military, which began in earnest in April 2023, has already resulted in over 40,000 deaths, displaced more than 14 million people, and led to extreme conditions such as starvation among some populations.
Both parties are being investigated by the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
