February 4, 2025 (NEW YORK) – The UN humanitarian affairs agency (OCHA) has expressed concerns over mass displacement of civilians from Sudan’s North Darfur State capital, El Fasher.
The spokesperson or the UN Secretary General, Stéphane Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday that OCHA is concerned over the continued mass displacement of civilians since April last year.
In El Fasher, the civilian death toll is reportedly rising due to ongoing clashes, artillery shelling and air strikes, he said, adding “OCHA is particularly alarmed by reports of ongoing attacks on the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were identified in late December”.
Relatedly, OCHA said it is also alarmed by the escalating hostilities in South Kordofan, citing the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.
Over 50 people, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed on Monday in the state capital, Kadugli following a series of air strikes while over two dozen others were also injured.
OCHA said that under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict have a clear obligation to refrain from directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including vital infrastructure.
Meanwhile Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by reports of summary executions of civilians in Khartoum North, allegedly by fighters and militia allied to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Many of the victims of these incidents were allegedly originally from the Darfur or Kordofan regions of Sudan. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights continues to corroborate these ongoing developments.
The Secretary-General reminds all warring parties in Sudan of their obligations under international law, especially in relation to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that Sudanese women, children and men are paying the price for the continued fighting by the belligerents.
The Secretary-General renewed his appeal for the parties to immediately cease fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people of Sudan demand.
(ST)
