The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, as ongoing paramilitary conflicts have severely disrupted food aid operations. According to UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk, intense fighting has forced the World Food Programme to suspend its crucial operations in North Darfur. Turk further highlighted that five regions are on the brink of famine, and 17 additional areas are at risk within the next three months.
The conflict, primarily driven by Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and their recent attacks on the White Nile state, has resulted in widespread displacement. Approximately 8.8 million people have been uprooted from their homes within Sudan, while 3.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Such military actions point to potential violations of the principle of distinction, a core tenet of international humanitarian law, notably referenced in Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions.
Despite not being a party to the Rome Statute, under a UN Security Council mandate, the International Criminal Court’s prosecution efforts continue to investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Turk indicated the indiscriminate nature of the RSF’s attacks, often fueled by ethnic and tribal motivations, have increasingly targeted women and children, leading to rampant sexual violence.
The conditions in Sudan are deteriorating, with medical facilities functioning at only 30% capacity and the judicial systems collapsing. The ongoing violence threatens regional stability, impacting the Horn of Africa and the Sahel and potentially extending globally. Emphasizing a global response, Turk urged international actors to leverage their diplomatic influence to secure a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
For further details on the unfolding situation in Sudan, see the JURIST report.