Geneva, July 1 (Darfur24)
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold an urgent debate on Friday on the human rights situation in El Obeid and the surrounding areas of North Kordofan State, amid escalating fighting and growing concerns over the risk of serious violations against civilians.
The session comes as El Obeid and other parts of the Kordofan region continue to experience intensified drone strikes and ground fighting, triggering new displacement, disrupting electricity, water and fuel supplies, and placing additional strain on already fragile health services. Humanitarian organizations have warned that conditions are likely to deteriorate further if the violence continues.
The debate was convened following a formal request by Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom.
In their request, the five countries said an urgent discussion was necessary because of the “risk of potential escalation on the ground,” warning that approximately 500,000 civilians could face widespread human rights violations that may amount to mass atrocities.
The countries said the increase in drone attacks has damaged civilian infrastructure, caused severe shortages of fuel and water, and resulted in civilian casualties. They also described conditions in El Obeid as “akin to a siege,” with thousands of residents effectively trapped in the city and deprived of essential services.
The group said it intends to submit a draft resolution for consideration by the Human Rights Council aimed at addressing the worsening humanitarian and human rights situation in El Obeid and its surrounding areas.