Geneva, February 10 (Darfur24)
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday called on the international community to ensure accountability for violations committed in El Fasher, North Darfur State, and to prevent their recurrence.
Following the Rapid Support Forces’ takeover of El Fasher on October 26, 2025, widespread abuses were reported, including large-scale killings, sexual violence, and arbitrary arrests.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk said the RSF unleashed a wave of violence in the city that killed thousands and forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee after an approximately 18-month siege.
He said he had heard direct testimony from survivors of the attack, noting the severe psychological impact of the events. Türk described the situation in El Fasher as a “horrific and avoidable humanitarian catastrophe,” urging states to reflect on what could have been done to prevent the violence and what steps are needed to stop similar crimes elsewhere in Sudan.
The High Commissioner said his office documented testimonies from more than 140 victims and witnesses in North Darfur and eastern Chad. Accounts included reports of unlawful killings, sexual violence, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and kidnappings for ransom.
Türk stated that responsibility for the reported violations lies with the Rapid Support Forces and allied groups, warning that escalating fighting in the Kordofan region could expose civilians to similar risks, including abuses and family separation.
He also warned of the dangers of hate speech, describing it as a frequent trigger for racially motivated violence, and emphasized the urgent need to counter such rhetoric to protect vulnerable communities.