This follows reports that at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 injured by members of the Rapid Support Forces militia, the RSF, between October 5 and 8 alone.
Preliminary information from the area – the last government-controlled town in North Darfur – suggests the number could be even higher, the UN human rights office said (Ohchr) added.
‘Endless and wanton contempt’
“I am appalled by the RSF’s endless and wanton disregard for civilian life,” Mr Türk said.
The The militia has fought against its former military government allies for control of Sudan since April 2023.
The UN rights chief said that “Despite repeated calls, including my own, to take specific care to protect civilians, they instead continue to kill, injure and displace civilians, and attack civilian objectsincluding displaced persons shelters, hospitals and mosques, with total disregard for international law. This must end.”
At least 46 civilians were killed in artillery and drone strikes in the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods, and in the Abu Shouk displaced persons camp, OHCHR reported.
This includes at least 14 civilians who have been killed during attacks on October 5 and 7 on the Saudi hospital – the last major functioning health care facility in North Darfur.
The hospital, which was repeatedly attacked, was already operating at reduced capacity before sustaining further significant damage in the latest attacks.
Summary of executions
At least seven other civilians were reportedly summarily executed during house-to-house searches during RSF ground raids, OHCHR reported.
“Initial information suggests that these killings may have been ethnically motivated and targeted members of the Zaghawa community,” the UN office said.
“I urge the RSF – and indeed all parties to the conflict – to learn the lessons from this week’s conviction of Ali Kushayb by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the war crimes and crimes against humanity he committed in Darfur,” said Mr Türk.
The former Janjaweed commander was found guilty of war crimes on 27 counts earlier this week in The Hague. The RSF reportedly emerged from the Janjaweed militias and their leadership starting in 2013.
The High Commissioner also reiterated his call on UN Member States with direct influence to take urgent action to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in El Fasher and across Darfur.
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