Agencies, December 19 (Darfur24)
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an impartial, thorough, and effective investigation into the attack on the Zamzam camp for displaced people in Darfur, stressing the need to hold those responsible for serious violations of international law accountable.
The call followed the release on Thursday of a report by the UN human rights office documenting widespread killings, rape, sexual violence, torture, and abductions committed during a three-day assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Zamzam camp in April.
According to the report, at least 1,013 civilians were killed during the offensive between April 11 and 13, which it described as a “consistent pattern of gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
The report said 319 of the victims were executed, either inside the camp or while attempting to flee. Civilians were reportedly killed during house-to-house searches, as well as in markets, schools, health facilities, and mosques. More than 400,000 residents were displaced again as a result of the attack.
“The deliberate killing of civilians or persons not taking part in hostilities may constitute the war crime of willful killing,” Türk said.
Sexual violence used to spread terror
The report documented conflict-related sexual violence against at least 104 survivors, including 75 women, 26 girls, and three boys—mostly from the Zaghawa community. Survivors were subjected to rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery during the attack and along escape routes.
It said sexual violence appeared to have been deliberately used to instill fear among the population.
The report also stated that in the months leading up to the assault, the RSF blocked the entry of food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies into the camp and attacked individuals attempting to deliver aid.
“These appalling violations, committed with impunity, are consistent with patterns my office has repeatedly documented,” Türk said, referring to similar abuses during the RSF takeover of El Fasher in late October.
“The world cannot stand idly by while this cruelty continues to take root in Sudan,” he added, calling on all states—particularly those with influence—to act urgently to prevent further atrocities.
Türk renewed his call for increased pressure on all parties to the conflict to end the violence in Darfur, Kordofan, and elsewhere, including steps to halt the supply and transfer of weapons fueling the war.