Dongola, January 18 (Darfur24)
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is continuing his visit to Sudan, his first since November 2022, meeting officials, civil society groups, and humanitarian actors amid growing concern over the impact of the war on displaced populations.
Türk began his visit on January 14 in Port Sudan, where he held meetings with government authorities, representatives of civil society, and the UN country team. He later traveled to Dongola, the capital of Northern State, where he met the state governor and local and international non-governmental organizations and discussed humanitarian challenges facing people displaced by violence in Darfur and Kordofan.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, the mission aims to monitor and report on violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, strengthen civilian protection, and support accountability efforts amid ongoing conflict.
Call for comprehensive action
Following a meeting attended by more than 50 participants in Dongola, Türk said local authorities and humanitarian organizations described the “terrible ordeal” endured daily by survivors of the war.
He warned that shelter capacity for internally displaced persons remains insufficient, noting that many families have been displaced multiple times. He also highlighted the lack of adequate support for survivors of sexual violence and insufficient services for people with disabilities.
“Due to a lack of resources, there is no suitable solution for women who have been subjected to sexual violence. Not enough attention is paid to people with disabilities,” Türk said, adding that local organizations have nonetheless proposed practical solutions.
He called for coordinated national and international efforts to support humanitarian actors and enable them to deliver urgently needed assistance under difficult conditions.
As part of his visit, Türk is also scheduled to tour the Al-Afad displacement shelter in Northern State, where he will meet displaced families and humanitarian partners.
The High Commissioner is expected to return to Port Sudan on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and will hold press conferences in Port Sudan and later in Nairobi.