“I fear that horrific atrocities such as summary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence will continue within the city.”
The statement comes amid increasing reports from UN human rights watchdogs and other experts of widespread violence and war crimes after the town of El Fasher fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on October 23 this year, which has been fighting former allies-turned-rivals – the military government in Khartoum – for control of Sudan for more than two years.
The violence continues even for those who have managed to flee the city, as the escape routes have become the scene of “unimaginable brutality”, Mr Türk added.
No sign of de-escalation
The High Commissioner said that since the arrest of El Fasher’s civilian victims, destruction and mass displacement have increased.
He further warned that developments on the ground “show clear preparations for intensified hostilities, with all that that entails for the long-suffering people.”
In one interview of UN news On Thursday, UN Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention Chaloka Beyani expressed concern over allegations of war crimes in El Fasher.
“We are seeing massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks on civilians, non-compliance with international humanitarian law, which regulates conduct related to hostilities, and the attacks are largely targeting civilians,” he said.
On Friday, independent UN experts also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation, pointing to “sadistic levels” of sexual violence and abuse.
“We are shocked by credible reports of ethnically targeted summary executions of civilians in El Fasher by the RSF, which are prohibited under international law and constitute war crimes and may also amount to crimes against humanity,” they said. “They must stop immediately and a rapid independent investigation is crucial.”
Reported ceasefire agreement
The RSF reportedly agreed to a ceasefire proposed by the United States and Arab countries on Thursday – but the national army has not joined and news reports say attacks continue, including explosions around government-occupied Khartoum.
Meanwhile, UN agencies continue to push for an end to hostilities.
“The Security CouncilThe country’s arms embargo is clear: the provision of continued military support to parties committing serious violations must stop”, said Mr Turk.
He reiterated his plea for an “immediate end to violence, both in Darfur and Kordofan,” adding that “bold and urgent action is required by the international community.”
The UN Council for Human Rights will keep one special session about the situation in and around El Fasher, on Friday, November 14.
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