Extensive Urban Bombardment and Airstrikes Harm Civilians in Sudan: UN Report
Click to start listening
United Nations, Dec 19 (NationPress) UN humanitarian organizations have indicated that there is widespread violence occurring in Sudan, highlighted by shelling and airstrikes targeting civilian locations in Darfur and Khartoum, leading to notable casualties and devastation.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the resident humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, has denounced the recent attacks that took place over the past week.
"Hostilities are prevalent and have been noted in urban centers such as Al Fasher, Al Kuma, Kabkabiya, and Kutum in North Darfur, as well as Nyala in South Darfur, in addition to regions within Greater Khartoum," OCHA stated. "There have been substantial reports of civilian casualties, alongside the destruction of homes, markets, and healthcare facilities."
The coordinator emphasized that the surge of violence against civilians highlights the urgent necessity for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict between the two military factions and their supporters. She cautioned that armed groups operating in and around populated regions and camps for displaced individuals pose direct risks to residents and are obstructing the provision of essential assistance, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Nkweta-Salami insisted that civilians and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, must be protected from the impacts of hostilities.
"The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attacks must always be upheld," she stated.
The coordinator noted that after 20 months of conflict, the continually increasing number of deceased and injured individuals is intolerable, urging respect for international humanitarian law.
"I urge for an immediate halt to hostilities and safe passage for civilians wanting to escape to their chosen destinations," she expressed.
