Geneva, December 16 (Darfur24)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed grave concern over the escalating hostilities in Sudan’s Kordofan region involving the Sudanese army, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Türk urged all parties to the conflict, as well as countries with influence, to work toward an immediate ceasefire and take urgent steps to prevent further atrocities.
He said that at least 104 civilians have been killed in a series of drone attacks across the Kordofan region since December 4. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Kalogi, South Kordofan, where a drone strike on a kindergarten and a hospital reportedly killed at least 89 civilians, including eight women and 43 children.
Türk strongly condemned the killing of six UN peacekeepers in drone strikes that targeted a United Nations base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, on December 13, warning that attacks against peacekeeping forces may constitute war crimes.
He also cited a drone strike on December 14 that targeted a military hospital in Dilling, South Kordofan, killing at least six people and injuring 12 others, including medical staff.
The High Commissioner emphasized that medical facilities and healthcare workers are afforded special protection under international humanitarian law and must not be targeted under any circumstances.