A devastating humanitarian crisis is unfolding in El Fasher, Sudan, as the city has been under siege for seven months by fighters from the powerful militia known as the RSF. Thousands of civilians are trapped, leaving at least 782 dead and over 1,143 injured.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the situation as “devastating lives every day on a massive scale.” The report highlights widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas by the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, raising serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law.
Hospitals and camps have been targeted, including the Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, which has been repeatedly shelled. Increased cases of sexual violence since the siege began are exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations.
The Zamzam IDP camp, home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, has been shelled six times by the RSF, reportedly killing at least 15 civilians. The situation remains dire, with the UN warning of potential large-scale attacks on Zamzam camp and the city itself.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis in El Fasher, a refugee crisis is also intensifying at the South Sudan border, with over 80,000 people fleeing into the country in just three weeks. The UNHCR warns that services are being overwhelmed, and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient.
The UN is calling for a renewed push for mediation and increased international support to prevent further civilian suffering. An investigation into potential war crimes and accountability measures are also urgently needed.
Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1158451