Human Rights Watch reports that the RSF in Sudan has committed serious abuses, including killings and sexual violence against civilians, particularly in Al Gezira state. The group has launched attacks following a key defector’s shift to the SAF, prompting over 130,000 people to flee. Urgent action is urged for international intervention to protect civilians as the UK leads discussions at the UN Security Council.
Human Rights Watch has reported that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have been perpetrating severe human rights abuses, including killings, unlawful detentions, and sexual violence against civilians in Al Gezira state. Following the defection of a prominent RSF ally to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the RSF escalated attacks, impacting over 130,000 individuals who fled to safety. Given the escalation of violence, Human Rights Watch has called upon the United Kingdom, presiding over the UN Security Council in November, to advocate for a mission dedicated to civilian protection in Sudan. Reports indicate that the RSF have attacked numerous villages and towns, leaving a devastating humanitarian crisis in their wake. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence corroborate claims of detentions and violence, with disturbing incidents of sexual assault reported. This situation demands immediate international intervention to safeguard vulnerable populations and restore order in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly between the RSF and the SAF, has led to widespread violence and instability. The RSF, formed from militias in the Darfur conflict, has increasingly turned against civilians amid their power struggle with the SAF. The recent defection of a key RSF commander in Al Gezira sparked a wave of retaliatory violence that has raised serious concerns among human rights organizations regarding the safety and rights of civilians. Moreover, the humanitarian situation is critical, compounded by blockades and restricted access to areas affected by violence.
The alarming rise in targeted violence against civilians by the RSF necessitates an urgent international response to protect human rights in Sudan. With an increasing number of casualties and cases of sexual violence, Human Rights Watch advocates for the UN Security Council to authorize a civilian protection mission. The United Kingdom’s leadership role during this precarious time presents an opportunity to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis and respond to the urgent calls for help from those at risk.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
