UN human rights chief Volker Türk fears a new wave of atrocities in Sudan’s Kordofan region, citing hundreds of civilian deaths and a confirmed famine amid intense fighting.
GENEVA: UN human rights chief Volker Türk fears a new wave of atrocities in Sudan amid a surge in fierce fighting across the Kordofan region.
In a statement, Türk said he feared “another wave of atrocities” as fighting intensifies between the Sudanese army, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
He called for a ceasefire so aid can reach threatened towns.
The UN Human Rights Office has documented at least 269 civilian deaths in Kordofan since the RSF captured the city of Bara on October 25.
The toll is likely much higher due to communication difficulties.
“There have also been reports of retaliatory killings, arbitrary detention, abductions, sexual violence and forced recruitment, including of children,” Türk added.
The statement highlighted specific deadly drone attacks.
One on November 3 in El Obeid reportedly killed 45 people, mostly women.
Another army drone strike on November 29 in Kauda reportedly killed at least 48, most of them civilians.
“It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher,” said Türk.
The UN rights office said the towns of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan are at particular risk as they are besieged by the RSF and SPLM-N.
El Obeid in North Kordofan is also partially surrounded by the RSF.
It confirmed a famine is occurring in Kadugli.
More than 45,000 people have fled their homes in Kordofan in the past month to seek safety.
The war, which erupted in April 2023, has left tens of thousands dead and forced 12 million people from their homes according to aid agencies.
