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Sudan: UN Human Rights Chief Listens to Testimonies of Victims of the “Brutal War”

Moatinoon
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is continuing his visit to Sudan, his first since his last official visit to the country in November 2022.

During the visit, which began on 14 January, Türk met with authorities in Port Sudan, as well as representatives of civil society and the UN Country Team.

The High Commissioner also visited Dongola, the capital of Northern State, where he met with the state governor and non-governmental organisations. He exchanged views with humanitarian partners on the challenges and needs of people displaced by the intense violence in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

The UN Human Rights Office in Sudan monitors and reports on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and works to strengthen the protection of civilians. It also seeks to provide a solid evidence base to ensure that protection, accountability, and the rights of affected populations remain at the centre of priorities.

Following a meeting in Dongola attended by more than 50 people, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said:
“I met with local authorities and local representatives of civil society organisations, NGOs and international NGOs. They told me about the horrific ordeal that many people are going through, and about the many survivors of this brutal war, on a daily basis.”

Türk warned that there is a severe lack of adequate shelter for internally displaced persons, some of whom have been displaced multiple times.

He added: “Because of the lack of resources, there is no appropriate solution for women who have been subjected to sexual violence. People with disabilities are not receiving sufficient attention. But these representatives [of the organisations] have also identified solutions.”

He stressed that comprehensive efforts are needed, both within Sudan and by the international community, to support these organisations and facilitate their work so they can deliver the urgently needed humanitarian assistance under these conditions.

Türk’s visit also includes the Al-Afadha displacement shelter in Northern State, where he is meeting people displaced by the conflict in Darfur and Kordofan, along with humanitarian partners.

The High Commissioner is scheduled to return to Port Sudan on Sunday, 18 January 2026. He will hold two press conferences at the end of his visit, one in Port Sudan and the other in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.