Volker Türk Urges Global Action as Sudan Spirals Into Deeper Chaos

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, spotlighting the brutal resurgence of violence in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Türk’s urgent appeal comes amid intensifying military confrontations, horrifying reports of civilian massacres, sexual violence, abductions, child recruitment, and looting across North Darfur, South Kordofan, and North Kordofan.

Speaking on Friday, Türk expressed profound concern over a pattern of lawlessness and impunity that has taken hold since the start of the civil war in April 2023 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 said.

El Fasher Under Siege: A Repeat of Zamzam Camp’s Tragedy

On 15 June, following a prolonged siege lasting over a year, the RSF launched an aggressive ground assault on El Fasher, a key city in North Darfur. The attack came after months of troop buildup and the widespread recruitment of child soldiers—a violation of international norms and a deepening indicator of war crimes.

This offensive echoes the RSF’s earlier atrocities in April at the Zamzam IDP camp, where hundreds were reportedly killed, scores of women and girls were subjected to rape, and emergency medical and food relief systems collapsed. Aid agencies continue to report large-scale displacement and limited access to humanitarian corridors.

Civilians Trapped in Kordofan Amid Looming Attacks

The violence is not confined to Darfur. In South Kordofan, civilians are caught in the crossfire between SAF and RSF fighters competing for control over the vital town of Al Debibat. North Kordofan’s capital, El Obeid, faces a similarly grim outlook. According to intelligence from the region, RSF forces have surrounded the city and an imminent offensive is expected—announced publicly by the RSF commander.

Tens of thousands of residents, including women, children, and the elderly, are at risk of being trapped without food, water, or medical care as hostilities escalate. Infrastructure is crumbling, and many health clinics are either closed or operating under siege conditions.

Call for Accountability and Global Intervention

Türk did not mince words in calling for international responsibility and pressure on both warring factions. He emphasized that the international community cannot remain a passive observer while flagrant human rights violations continue unchecked.

“For too long already, the world has witnessed the unbound horrors unfolding in Sudan and the untold suffering of its people,” he said. “Civilians must be protected at all costs. Violations and crimes must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible be held to account.”

He demanded urgent action from international partners and governments to push for a ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians, and end the unchecked supply of weapons fueling the violence.

Appeal for Safe Passage and Cease of Hostilities

Türk stressed the critical need for humanitarian access and safe evacuation routes for civilians in besieged cities like El Fasher, Al Debibat, and El Obeid. He reiterated the call for both the SAF and RSF to respect international humanitarian law, refrain from attacking civilian infrastructure, and engage in negotiations for a sustainable political resolution.

“All parties must refrain from attacking civilian objects, ultimately lay down their weapons and put an end to hostilities,” he added.

War Economy and Arms Flow Sustain the Conflict

In addition to direct hostilities, Türk highlighted the systemic issues sustaining Sudan’s descent into chaos: the flow of arms from external actors and the deeply entrenched business networks profiting from war. He urged states to immediately halt arms exports and economic dealings with any entities linked to the conflict.

“I also urge [states] to press for an end to the flow of arms into the country, and to restrain the business interests sustaining this conflict,” he said.

A Nation at the Brink

More than 9 million people have been displaced since the outbreak of civil war, and over 25 million—half the population—are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN data. With the rainy season looming and harvests disrupted by violence, the risk of famine now haunts wide swaths of Sudan.

Türk’s statement is a dire reminder that time is running out. Without a unified global response, Sudan may soon collapse into an even more devastating humanitarian catastrophe.