UN Human Rights Office Expresses Serious Concern Over Targeting of Civilians in Sudan

The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed serious concern over the repeated targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure in Sudan, as the devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues to exact a staggering humanitarian toll.

A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office said that the pattern of attacks on civilian populations and essential infrastructure across Sudan raises grave alarm, underscoring the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. The statement pointed to mounting evidence of indiscriminate strikes on residential areas, hospitals, markets, and other sites that serve no military purpose.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between forces loyal to army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has displaced more than 12 million people internally and driven millions more across international borders, creating one of the world's largest displacement crises. The fighting has plunged vast swathes of the country into famine conditions, with aid agencies warning that Sudan faces the worst hunger emergency on the planet.

The UN office noted that civilians in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah states have been particularly affected by the violence, with reports of mass atrocities, sexual violence, and the systematic destruction of homes and livelihoods. Efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance have been repeatedly obstructed, leaving millions without access to food, clean water, and medical care.

Qatar has been among the most active diplomatic players seeking to resolve the Sudan crisis, hosting multiple rounds of mediation talks and providing substantial humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Doha has consistently called on all parties to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and allow unhindered access for aid deliveries. Qatar's diplomatic engagement reflects its broader commitment to conflict resolution in Africa and the wider region, leveraging its established reputation as a trusted mediator.

The Gulf state has also channeled humanitarian aid through the Qatar Fund for Development and the Qatar Red Crescent Society, directing resources toward displaced Sudanese families in neighboring Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.

International rights organizations have documented what they describe as potential war crimes committed by both sides of the conflict, including the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas. The International Criminal Court has opened investigations into alleged atrocities in Darfur.

The UN Human Rights Office called on the international community to intensify pressure on the warring parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire and to ensure accountability for violations committed against the Sudanese people. The office reiterated that there can be no military solution to the crisis and that only a negotiated political settlement can bring lasting peace to the country.