Synopsis
The UN Human Rights Commissioner raised grave concerns over the rising instances of extrajudicial killings in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, following its recapture by SAF. Calls for investigations and accountability highlight the urgent need for justice and respect for human rights amidst a dire humanitarian crisis.Key Takeaways
- Volker Turk demands investigations into civilian killings.
- Extrajudicial killings violate international laws.
- SAF is implicated in multiple summary executions.
- Online hate speech against ethnic groups increases.
- 30.4 million Sudanese face urgent humanitarian needs.
Geneva, April 3 (NationPress) The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed significant alarm on Thursday regarding reports of extensive extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, following its takeover by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on March 26.
Turk called for Sudan to initiate independent, transparent, and effective investigations into these occurrences in accordance with international standards, urging that those accountable be punished and that victims' rights to truth and justice be upheld.
"I am deeply horrified by the credible reports of numerous summary executions of civilians in various parts of Khartoum, based on alleged suspicions of their collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). I urge the commanders of the SAF to take prompt action to halt any arbitrary loss of life," stated Turk.
He emphasized that extrajudicial killings constitute serious breaches of international human rights and humanitarian laws. Both individual perpetrators and those holding command responsibility must be held accountable for such intolerable actions under international criminal law.
The UN Human Rights chief revealed that his office has assessed multiple disturbing videos circulating on social media since March 26, all seemingly recorded in southern and eastern Khartoum. These videos depict armed individuals, some in uniforms and others in civilian attire, executing civilians in cold blood, frequently in public spaces, with some perpetrators claiming they are punishing RSF supporters.
Reports indicate that the killings were executed by the SAF and state security forces, as well as SAF-associated militias and fighters. In the Janoub Al Hezam region of southern Khartoum, for example, at least 20 civilians, including one woman, were reportedly killed by SAF and affiliated militias.
"Our office has also noted a troubling increase in online hate speech and incitement to violence, with lists of individuals alleged to have collaborated with the RSF being circulated online. Ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions appear to be disproportionately affected," the High Commissioner remarked.
Condemning the horrific occurrences, Turk reiterated his call for all parties to take swift actions to ensure their forces respect the right to life, without discrimination, in line with their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.
Moreover, the UN reported on Wednesday that it has been almost two years since the violent conflict erupted between the military government forces in Khartoum and the RSF militia, leading to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
"Human rights violations have occurred on both sides, with over 30.4 million Sudanese needing urgent aid, millions displaced, and tens of thousands dead. Nearly 25 million individuals are facing acute hunger," the report stated.
Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, the situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly, with nearly 13 million people forcibly displaced—approximately one third of the population—and the healthcare system nearly destroyed.
