Thursday’s warning came as the SAF launched a major offensive last month to regain control of key areas currently held by the RSF. Two armies commanded by opposing generals were locked in a battle. brutal power struggle since April 2023.
The war has forced more than 11 million people to flee their homes in Sudan, of which about 2.9 million were forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Along with climate shocks and devastating disasters, the fighting has destroyed countless livelihoods, pushing the country into recession. deep hunger crisis.
September attack
According to to the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRThe latest offensive, which began on September 25, included SAF air and artillery strikes targeting RSF positions, especially around the main entry points to the capital Khartoum, including Halfaya Bridge is of strategic importance.
These attacks are believed to have caused dozens of civilian casualties and severe damage to essential infrastructure.
Radhouane Nouicer, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Designated Expert on the Situation in Sudan, said the escalation in the greater Khartoum region “recalls the horror” of the early conflict in April 2023.
He warned that it could lead to a large number of civilian casualties among those trapped next to strategic locations, serious human rights violations and mass displacement.
Execute summary
When fighting broke out, experts were appointed by the United Nations tick disturbing reports of the execution of dozens of young men, especially from the Halfaya neighborhood in Khartoum-North (Bahri). Up to 70 young people are believed to have died in recent days.
Allegedly, these executions were carried out by the SAF and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, a militia that has voiced support for the SAF.
“Videos circulating in the media show the bodies of young men, allegedly killed due to suspected links or collaboration with the RSF. This is beyond vile and contrary to all human rights norms and standards,experts said.
A video allegedly shows armed men wearing SAF uniforms saying they were from Khartoum-North and that they killed six men accused of looting.
War has rules
Mr. Nouicer called on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, stressing the need to protect civilians from arbitrary executions and violence.
He also called for a swift, independent investigation into the killings and for those responsible to be held accountable according to international standards.
“Even in war, there are rules” Mr. Nouicer said and emphasized that impunity for such acts must end immediately.
Expert appointed by the UN
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appoint Mr. Nouicer, a Tunisian national, is Mr Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan in December 2022, succeeding Adama Dieng.
This follows one Human Rights Council resolution asks the United Nations human rights chief to “immediately appoint” an expert to monitor the situation in Sudan from the military takeover of October 25, 2021 until the restoration of the Government civilian-led, collaborating and engaging with United Nations offices, civil society and national stakeholder organizations.
There are similar appointed experts on the human rights situation in Haiti and Colombia.
Experts appointed by the United Nations are distinctive from Special Rapporteurs and independent working groups, authorized and appointed directly by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.
