Possible War Crimes in Sudan: A Bleak Humanitarian Crisis Looms
The UN Official has raised alarms about the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, indicating possible war crimes and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The United Nations Human Rights Chief recently voiced concerns about the disturbing denial of safe passage for humanitarian agencies in Sudan, which could potentially be categorized as a war crime.
*”Sudan has transformed into a living nightmare. Almost half of the population – 25 million people – are in dire need of food and medical aid. Approximately 80 percent of hospitals have been rendered non-functional,” stated the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The crisis in Sudan is characterized by a chilling indifference towards human life. The violations of international humanitarian law by the conflicting parties may amount to war crimes or other heinous atrocities. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been battling with Sudan’s army for control of the country since April last year, resulting in the deaths of thousands, displacement of millions, and warnings of an impending famine.
*”Both sides have killed thousands, seemingly without remorse,” Turk said, noting the use of heavy artillery, even in densely populated urban areas.
The implications of denying aid are severe. The High Commissioner called on the warring parties to “meet their legal obligations by opening humanitarian corridors without delay, before more lives are lost.”
As per the UN’s appeal last month, countries should not overlook the plight of civilians and should contribute towards the $4.1bn humanitarian aid needed to support the over 1.5 million people who have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
War Crimes Allegations
The Sudan crisis has resulted in over eight million people fleeing within Sudan and to neighboring countries. This crisis is severely disrupting peace, security, and humanitarian conditions throughout the region.
*”Perpetrators of the horrific human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable, without delay,” Turk said on Friday.
The international community urgently needs to refocus its attention on this deplorable crisis before it descends further into chaos. The future of the people of Sudan depends on it.
Sexual Violence as a Weapon
Another horrifying characteristic of Sudan’s ongoing war is the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, including rape.
*”Sexual violence as a weapon of war, including rape, has been a defining – and despicable – characteristic of this crisis since the beginning,” he said.
In the past year, at least 60 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence have been documented, involving at least 120 victims across the country, mostly women and girls.
*”Men in RSF uniform and armed men affiliated with the RSF, were reported to be responsible for 81 percent of the documented incidents,” Turk said.
According to a report to the UN Security Council, the sexual violence by the RSF and its allied militia was rampant. Moreover, attacks on civilians, including torture, rape, killing, and destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, constitute war crimes under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
*”And without delay, the international community must refocus its attention on this deplorable crisis before it descends even further into chaos. The future of the people of Sudan depends on it,” said Turk.
