Human rights chief Türk renews call for end to spiralling Sudan war
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan’s fourth-year war, citing rising civilian casualties from drone strikes and foreign interference.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned attacks on civilians in markets, hospitals, and fuel stations during a Human Rights Council session. He highlighted escalating violence in Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur regions, where civilians face imminent risks. Türk called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to foreign involvement, and a return to civilian rule to address the crisis.
A new report by independent investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council found increasing use of long-range drones against civilians by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The report alleged significant support to rebel fighters from individuals and entities in the United Arab Emirates, Chad, southeastern Libya, and Puntland in Somalia.
Investigators documented drone strikes killing and injuring civilians in their homes, schools, hospitals, and displacement sites, including during weddings and funerals. In El Obeid, North Kordofan, repeated RSF drone attacks damaged water, energy, and civilian infrastructure, exacerbating risks for residents under partial siege.
The UN World Health Organization reported extensive damage to three major hospitals in Khartoum, including destroyed operating theatres and collapsed wards. WHO Representative Dr Abdinasir Abubakar warned of urgent structural repairs needed before patients could be safely admitted, despite staff continuing to treat patients in usable parts of the buildings.