Sudan: UN rights chief calls for a return to talks, amid fragile ceasefire
The UN and WHO have called for an immediate end to the fighting and urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly with regard to protecting civilians and medical facilities.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an end to hostilities in Sudan and urged the opposing sides to return to the negotiating table. “Thousands upon thousands of civilians are trapped in their homes, shielding from the fighting, with no electricity, unable to venture out and worried about running out of food, drinking water and medicine,” Türk said. This comes as reports suggest a proposed 24-hour agreement to stop Gun fire between Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary group. According to international Media the sides were agreed but the first attempt failed.
The Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, have been involved in intense fighting for seven days, resulting in over 270 deaths and 2,700 injuries, according to the World Health Organization. Among those killed were three World Food Programme staff members.
The gunfire has also led to a temporary suspension of aid activities across the country, with UN agencies having halted most of their operations.
The WHO Director-General expressed concern about the impact of the conflict on healthcare facilities and workers, including shortages of medical personnel and lifesaving supplies, restrictions on movement, and looting of healthcare facilities. The UN has called for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the delivery of aid and the evacuation of civilians to safer zones.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working to resume operations and provide lifesaving assistance to those affected by the conflict, but the situation remains challenging due to ongoing violence and insecurity.The need for common sense to prevail and for all parties to prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people.