The death toll for civilians in Sudan surged to at least 275 within a week, a significant increase attributed to ongoing hostilities. Escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian workers are also facing threats amid accusations of collaboration with armed groups, while critical shortages of medical supplies and rising malnutrition rates worsen the situation.
The civilian death toll in Sudan has recently escalated significantly, with reports indicating at least 275 deaths between 31 January and 5 February, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR). This marks a threefold increase in fatalities from the prior week when 89 civilians were confirmed slain amid ongoing violence. The situation is exacerbated by intensifying clashes in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, which threaten to lead to a humanitarian disaster, as articulated by UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami.
The current conflict has escalated further, with artillery bombardments, airstrikes, and drone assaults ravaging populated areas, notably in Khartoum, North and South Darfur, and North and South Kordofan. Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, has reported at least 80 civilian casualties, including disconcerting reports of women and children being utilized as human shields. Moreover, the situation in Blue Nile appears increasingly precarious, with indications of mass mobilization for conflict.
The alarming ascent in civilian fatalities highlights the serious dangers faced by non-combatants, arising from the persistent inaction of conflicting parties to safeguard civilian lives. “The sharp increase in civilian deaths underscores the dire risks civilians face amid the continued failure by the parties to the conflict and their allies to protect civilians,” remarked OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango. This statement illustrates the urgency of measures needed to protect vulnerable populations.
In addition to civilian peril, humanitarian workers are facing escalated threats. Reports from local partners indicate that some aid volunteers have been wrongly accused of colluding with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rendering them targets for intimidation and violence. The conflict that began in April 2023 has already claimed the lives of at least 57 members of a local volunteer network, with one individual receiving a death threat.
The dire circumstances are compounded by severe shortages of medical supplies and increasing food insecurity, particularly within South Kordofan, which has seen a rise in malnutrition rates. The OHCHR has issued a pressing appeal for all involved parties to cease indiscriminate violence targeting civilians. “The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces – and their allied movements and militias – must respect their international law obligations and take concrete steps to protect civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders,” emphasized Mr. Magango.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to escalating civilian casualties and threats to humanitarian workers. The alarming rise in deaths emphasizes the urgent need for all parties in the conflict to adhere to international law and ensure the safety of non-combatants. The humanitarian crisis is deepened by dwindling resources and a growing food insecurity situation, necessitating immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: news.un.org
