‘Human rights catastrophe’ unfolding in Sudan’s al-Obeid, says UN’s Volker Turk

UN rights chief Volker Turk says “another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan,” in the state of North Kordofan.

“Civilians have been subjected to siege-like conditions for 18 months, battered by relentless drone strikes as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces battle for control over areas surrounding the city,” he says in a statement.

Turk reports “patterns of summary executions, abductions, torture and ill-treatment, sexual violence, and looting,” and notes critical shortages of clean water, risking disease outbreaks.

The UN official says the world must prevent “a repeat of the widespread atrocities that took place” in Sudan last year, when some 6,000 people were killed in three days as the RSF captured the city of El Fasher.

“These crimes were foreseen, with repeated warnings by myself and my Office. But they were not prevented,” he continues.

“All leaders must use their influence to exert pressure on all parties, and particularly the RSF, to stop an offensive on El Obeid; to end strikes on civilians and essential infrastructure; to stop the flow of weapons; and to comply with their obligations under international law,” Turk says.

He also calls for a humanitarian pause and guarantee of safe passage for civilians.