Geneva, March 14 (Darfur24)
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed shock over the devastating impact of escalating drone attacks in Sudan, which have reportedly killed more than 200 civilians in Kordofan and White Nile states since March 4 alone.
Türk said it was “deeply concerning” that, despite repeated warnings and appeals, parties to the conflict continue to deploy increasingly destructive drones to launch explosive weapons with wide-ranging effects in populated areas.
He reiterated his call for all sides to fully comply with international humanitarian law when using such weapons, particularly the prohibition against directing attacks at civilians, civilian objects, and infrastructure, as well as carrying out indiscriminate strikes.
The High Commissioner also voiced concern over the recent expansion of the conflict into White Nile State, which he said has come under intense drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces since March 4.
Türk added that the war in Sudan is approaching its third year, warning that the continued escalation of violence—driven in part by new military technologies such as drones—has already devastated the lives and livelihoods of millions.
“Soon it will be three full years since the senseless conflict in Sudan began,” he said. “The Sudanese people have already suffered far more than they should.”