UN Warns of Increasing Threat to Civilians Amid Ongoing Conflict in Sudan

Civilians in Sudan continue to face profound challenges as the nation grapples with the devastating implications of a civil war that has now extended into its third year. Recent reports from the United Nations’ Human Rights Office (OHCHR) underscore a sharp increase in civilian casualties and ethnic violence, particularly alarming as the first half of 2025 has witnessed an escalation in hostilities.

According to the OHCHR’s latest report, 3,384 civilian deaths were recorded in the first six months of 2025, a staggering statistic that accounts for approximately 80 percent of total civilian fatalities throughout the entirety of 2024. Such figures highlight the acute vulnerabilities facing Sudan’s population amidst the ongoing turmoil. Volker Turk, the OHCHR chief, remarked on the urgency of shedding light on this challenging situation, referencing the war crimes and atrocities occurring in a conflict often overlooked by the international community.

The report indicated a continuation of several troubling trends, including severe instances of sexual violence, indiscriminate attacks, and retaliatory violence aimed at civilians, often based on ethnic affiliations. This heightened violence against those perceived as collaborating with opposing factions threatens not just immediate safety but also the broader social fabric of the country.

Emerging tactics within the conflict have also raised concerns. The use of drones has increasingly been reported as a means of executing attacks on civilian sites, especially in regions that had previously evaded significant conflict, indicating a worrying shift in the nature of the violence being perpetuated. Turk emphasized that the ethnic dimension of the conflict reveals deep-rooted discrimination, posing severe risks to Sudan’s long-term stability and social unity.

The humanitarian impact of this war cannot be overstated. Since widespread hostilities reignited in April 2023, the conflict has tragically claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced approximately 12 million individuals. The UN has labeled the situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with famine conditions reported in parts of Darfur and southern Sudan.

Diplomatic efforts have been initiated by regional powers, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at instituting a ceasefire and fostering dialogue between the factions. However, these initiatives have yet to yield substantial progress, underscoring the complexities of the situation.

Most recently, reports surfaced of tragic incidents where paramilitary forces targeted civilians, including an assault on a mosque in El Fasher that resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Local advocacy groups condemned these acts as egregious violations of humanitarian law and religious sanctity, further illustrating the perilous conditions faced by the populace.

Urgent action is needed to protect civilians and ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, vital for alleviating the suffering of those caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict. As the situation evolves, the international community is called upon to remain engaged and committed to finding a resolution that supports the people of Sudan in achieving lasting peace.

#MiddleEastNews #WorldNews