United Nations (UN) experts called for the urgent deployment of an “independent and neutral force” in Sudan to safeguard civilians amid escalating violence.
In a report presented by the UN Human Rights Council, experts highlighted a “horrifying series of human rights abuses and international crimes,” many of which qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to France24.
Mohamed Shandy Osman, head of the UN fact-finding mission on Sudan, emphasized that “the gravity of these findings underscores the urgent need for immediate action to protect civilians.”
The UN Human Rights Council established the mission at the end of last year to document human rights violations occurring since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with estimates suggesting the toll could reach up to 150,000.
In related developments, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that nearly half a million Sudanese have been affected by floods and heavy rains since June.
According to the UN office, an estimated 491,100 individuals (88,600 families) have been impacted by the severe weather in 63 areas across 15 states in Sudan since the rains began in June. This includes approximately 143,200 displaced persons.
The most severely affected states are North Darfur (west), Red Sea (east), Northern (north), South Darfur (west), and Nile River (north). The statement noted that 35,518 homes have been completely destroyed, while about 44,993 have suffered partial damage.
As of the latest update from the Sudanese Ministry of Health on August 29, the death toll from the floods and rains stands at 173.
