The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan’s city of al-Obeid, saying another human rights catastrophe is unfolding as violence intensifies in the strategic capital of North Kordofan.
Speaking on Friday during an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk said the warning signs were “clear and unmistakable,” and called for swift international action to prevent further suffering.
The emergency debate was convened at the request of Britain following reports that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied fighters are massing around al-Obeid, raising fears of a major escalation in the conflict and the risk of large-scale atrocities.
Turk said civilians in the city have endured siege-like conditions for the past 18 months, with access to clean water reaching critical levels amid relentless drone strikes as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF continue battling for control of surrounding areas.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least 45 civilians were killed and 41 others injured in 15 drone strikes carried out in and around al-Obeid between June 6 and June 28.
The UN rights chief called on the international community to act swiftly, warning that the escalating violence and deepening humanitarian crisis threaten the lives of thousands of civilians trapped in the conflict.
Goodness Anunobi
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