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GENEVA, June 2025 — The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning over the rapidly worsening humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, calling for immediate international action as violence escalates across North Darfur and Kordofan.
Türk expressed deep alarm over mounting reports of civilian casualties, sexual violence, abductions, and looting, amid intensifying conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“The recent fighting and grave risk of further aggravation in an already brutal and deadly conflict raise severe protection concerns, amid a pervasive culture of impunity for human rights violations,” Türk stated Friday.
The RSF reportedly launched a renewed ground offensive in June targeting El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and is accused of forcibly recruiting child soldiers. In April, the RSF also attacked a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), prompting widespread condemnation.
UN reports confirm that civilians in South and North Kordofan remain under severe threat, as clashes continue to displace communities and disrupt humanitarian aid delivery. Türk urged all parties to ensure safe passage for civilians fleeing conflict hotspots, including El Fasher, Al Debibat, and El Obeid.
“Civilians must be protected at all costs. Violations and crimes must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held to account,” he added.
The conflict has pushed Sudan’s internally displaced population to over 10.7 million, making it the largest displacement crisis in the world. Humanitarian agencies have warned that access to aid is now severely restricted in several conflict zones.
In May, UN experts condemned a rise in gender-based violence, including the targeted abuse of women and girls, with multiple allegations pointing to RSF involvement. Human rights monitors have also highlighted serious violations of international humanitarian law by both warring factions.
The UN continues to call for international diplomatic pressure, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of humanitarian access, as the humanitarian toll continues to grow in one of the world’s most overlooked but severe crises.
