Key Points
UN documents systematic civilian killings in Khartoum by Sudanese Armed Forces
Ethnic groups from Darfur and Kordofan disproportionately targeted
Over 30 million Sudanese require urgent humanitarian assistance
Conflict has displaced nearly 13 million people
Calling on Sudan to launch independent, transparent and effective investigations into these incidents in line with relevant international standards, Turk urged to punish those responsible and to ensure victims' rights to truth and justice.
"I am utterly appalled by the credible reports of numerous incidents of summary executions of civilians in several areas of Khartoum, on apparent suspicions that they were collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life," said Turk.
"Extrajudicial killings are serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Individual perpetrators, as well as those with command responsibility, must be held accountable for such unacceptable actions under international criminal law," he added.
The UN Human Rights chief stated that his office has reviewed multiple horrific videos posted on social media since March 26, all of them apparently filmed in southern and eastern Khartoum. They show armed men – some in uniform and others in civilian clothes – executing civilians in cold blood, often in public settings. In some videos, perpetrators state that they are punishing supporters of RSF.
According to reports, the killings were carried out by the SAF and State security personnel, as well as by SAF-affiliated militias and fighters. In the Janoub Al Hezam area of southern Khartoum, for instance, at least 20 civilians, including one woman, were allegedly killed by SAF and affiliated militias and fighters.
"Our office has also documented a disturbing rise in online hate speech and incitement to violence, with lists of individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF posted online. Ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions appear to be disproportionately targeted," the High Commissioner stated.
Condemning the horrific incidents, Turk once again called on all parties to take immediate steps to ensure their forces respect the right to life, without distinction, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, the UN in its report on Wednesday stated that it is nearly two years since the brutal war between the forces of the military government in Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces militia erupted, sparking one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
"Human rights abuses have been committed on both sides, and more than 30.4 million Sudanese require urgent assistance, with millions displaced, and tens of thousands killed. Nearly 25 million people face acute hunger,” the report added.
The UN stated that since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically in Sudan, with almost 13 million people forcibly displaced – nearly one third of the population – and the health system all but obliterated.
Comments:
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 How can people do this to their own citizens? The UN needs to take stronger action beyond just statements. My prayers are with the Sudanese people.
While I appreciate the UN's concern, I wish they'd focus more on concrete solutions. We've seen these statements before in other conflicts with little real impact. Maybe sanctions against specific commanders would help?
The targeting of ethnic groups is especially concerning. This has echoes of past atrocities in Darfur. The international community can't just watch history repeat itself. #StandWithSudan
I'm glad someone is documenting these atrocities. The social media videos sound horrific. We need more journalists on the ground reporting these crimes - but it's clearly too dangerous right now.
As someone with family in Khartoum, this hits too close to home. The world needs to pay attention to Sudan - 30 million people needing aid is unimaginable. Where is the global response??
Respectfully, I think the article could have included more context about the political situation leading up to these events. Understanding the root causes is important for finding solutions.
The numbers are staggering - 13 million displaced, 25 million facing hunger. This is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world right now. Why isn't it getting more media coverage? 😢
