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Türk: Sudan Faces Imminent Risk of Another Wave of Atrocities

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that Sudan faces an imminent risk of a new wave of atrocities, amid escalating violent clashes across the Kordofan region between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM–N).

A statement issued by his office said that since 25 October, when the RSF seized the town of Bara in North Kordofan, the UN Human Rights Office has documented the killing of at least 269 civilians due to airstrikes, artillery shelling, and summary executions. It added that communication and internet shutdowns continue to hinder accurate reporting, meaning the actual civilian death toll is likely much higher.

According to the statement, reports indicate retaliatory killings, arbitrary arrests, abductions, sexual violence, and forced recruitment—including of children. It also noted reports of civilians being detained on accusations of “collaboration” with opposing parties, alongside rising concern over divisive hate speech that could fuel further violence.

“It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in Al Fasher,” the High Commissioner said, adding: “The international community stood united then, firmly condemning the brutal violations and destruction. We must not allow Kordofan to suffer the same fate as Al Fasher.”

The statement highlighted several incidents in recent weeks. It warned that the towns of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan—besieged by the RSF and SPLM–N—as well as El Obeid in North Kordofan, which is partially besieged by the RSF, are particularly at risk.

It stressed that the humanitarian situation is critical, confirming famine in Kadugli and the risk of famine in Dilling, noting that all parties are obstructing humanitarian access and operations.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of yet another man-made catastrophe,” Türk said, adding, “This fighting must stop immediately, and life-saving assistance must be allowed to reach those facing famine.”

He called for the protection of humanitarian workers and local responders, and the restoration of communications to facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance and ensure civilians receive essential information.

He emphasized that providing safe corridors for people fleeing starvation, death, and destruction is essential and a basic human rights obligation.

“Have we not learned the lessons of the past?” the UN official said. “We cannot stand by and allow more Sudanese to become victims of horrific human rights abuses. We must act, and this war must end now.”