Comment By UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk After Hundreds Killed In RSF Attacks In Sudan’s North Darfur

14 April 2025

Large-scale attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced people, on El Fasher town, and on the Um Kadada locality have made starkly clear the cost of inaction by the international community, despite my repeated warnings of heightened risk for civilians in the area – including last Friday.

Hundreds of civilians, including at least nine humanitarian workers, were reportedly killed. The attacks have exacerbated an already dire protection and humanitarian crisis in a city that has endured a devastating RSF siege since May last year. They also increase the risk of ethnically motivated attacks against civilians perceived to be aligned with the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The RSF has an obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians, including from ethnically motivated attacks, and to enable the safe passage of civilians out of the city.

Victims have the right to truth, justice and reparations.

The conflict enters its third year tomorrow. All parties – and all those with influence – must renew their resolve to take meaningful steps towards resolving the conflict.

© Scoop Media