Agencies
March 20(Darfur24)
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Thursday that it had received disturbing reports of escalating violence against civilians in Khartoum amid ongoing intense hostilities.
A statement issued by OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango confirmed the deaths of dozens of civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, as a result of artillery shelling and airstrikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in eastern Khartoum and northern Omdurman since March 12.
He added, “Credible reports indicate that the RSF and allied militias have raided homes in eastern Khartoum, carried out summary killings and arbitrary arrests, and looted food and medical supplies from community kitchens and clinics.”
The statement said that the Human Rights Office had received disturbing allegations of sexual violence in the Al-Jereif West neighborhood.
He also noted reports that the Sudanese Armed Forces and affiliated fighters have engaged in looting and other criminal activities in areas under their control in Khartoum Bahri and East Nile. He added that arbitrary arrests continue on a widespread basis in East Nile.
Magango reiterated his call on both parties—and all states with influence over them—to take concrete steps to ensure the effective protection of civilians and end the ongoing lawlessness and impunity.