UN Rights Chief Warns of Sudan Crisis: War Crimes & Sexual Violence Escalate

The United Nations human rights chief has sounded a stark warning about the escalating crisis in Sudan, with concerns over possible war crimes and the use of sexual violence as a weapon in the conflict. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, painting a grim picture of the situation in Sudan. Turk highlighted the deliberate denial of safe access for humanitarian agencies within the war-torn country, stating that this could potentially amount to a war crime. Turk described Sudan as a "living nightmare," with nearly half of the population - a staggering 25 million people - in desperate need of food and medical aid. He pointed out that around 80 percent of hospitals in the country have been rendered inoperable, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, primarily between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the country's army, has resulted in widespread devastation. Turk noted that both sides have shown a callous disregard for human life, with thousands killed and millions displaced. The use of heavy artillery in densely populated areas has further compounded the suffering of civilians. One particularly alarming aspect of the conflict highlighted by Turk is the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. He revealed that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape, has been a despicable and defining feature of the crisis in Sudan. The UN human rights chief documented numerous incidents of sexual violence, primarily targeting women and girls, with the RSF implicated in a significant portion of these atrocities. Furthermore, a report to the UN Security Council detailed widespread sexual violence perpetrated by the RSF and its affiliated militia. The report highlighted horrific incidents of rape and abduction, with victims as young as 14 subjected to these heinous acts. The panel of experts stressed that such actions, along with disproportionate attacks on civilians and destruction of critical infrastructure, constitute war crimes under international law. Turk emphasized the urgent need for accountability for those responsible for these egregious human rights violations. He called on the international community to refocus its attention on the crisis in Sudan before the situation deteriorates further, stressing that the future of the Sudanese people hangs in the balance. As the world grapples with the ongoing crises and conflicts, the plight of the people of Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent further suffering and atrocities. The atrocities being committed in Sudan underscore the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring that perpetrators of war crimes are brought to justice.