UN Voices Concern Over Ongoing Assaults on Civilians in Sudan
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Synopsis
The UN expresses deep concern over the ongoing violence against civilians in Sudan, particularly following a deadly airstrike in North Darfur and artillery attacks in Khartoum. The organization calls for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians amidst rising assaults and health service disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- The UN is alarmed by the continuous violence against civilians in Sudan.
- A recent airstrike in North Darfur resulted in numerous casualties.
- Artillery attacks in Khartoum have also led to civilian injuries.
- The situation has severely disrupted health services in the region.
- Urgent humanitarian needs are escalating amidst funding shortfalls.
United Nations, March 26 (NationPress) The ongoing assaults on civilians in Sudan, notably a fatal airstrike on a market in North Darfur, have left the United Nations profoundly concerned, stated a UN spokesman.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, remarked on Tuesday, "Last night (Monday) in North Darfur, numerous casualties were reported following an airstrike that targeted a market approximately 40 km northwest of El Fasher. The UN is also gravely worried about the rising attacks on populated regions in Khartoum."
Dujarric further noted that on Sunday, there were accounts of civilians being killed and injured when artillery shelled a mosque in east Khartoum during evening prayers. Civilian casualties were also noted due to heavy bombardment in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
"The UN urges all conflicting parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to take all feasible actions to prevent harm to civilians," he stated.
The spokesman highlighted that the ongoing violence and recent funding reductions from significant donors have severely impacted health services across Sudan, especially in the Darfur area. Last month alone, nearly half of all documented assaults on healthcare facilities in Sudan occurred in Darfur.
He mentioned that health partners are reporting that most regional facilities have supplies for only one to two months, with critical shortages in North and South Darfur states.
"The UN and its partners are striving to address the increasing needs, despite funding deficits and access limitations arising from the ongoing hostilities," the spokesman concluded.
