Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on recent attacks against civilians

Reports of retaliatory attacks against civilians in Aj Jazirah State based on alleged affiliation or ethnicity raise grave concerns about flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“I strongly denounce any form of violence against civilians,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said. “Civilians should be protected in armed conflict. Reprisals and acts of violence against civilian populations and civilian objects are prohibited by international humanitarian law.”
 
Other reports indicate significant civilian casualties, destruction of property and further displacement of vulnerable people due to continued shelling and aerial attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in many parts of the country, including western Omdurman in Khartoum State, Merowe in Northern State, Atbara in River Nile State, and the Darfur region.
 
“The ongoing violence across Sudan continues to cause immense suffering. We must act now to stop the bloodshed and protect civilians,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami stressed.
 
She reiterated the call for the cessation of hostilities and for real and inclusive steps towards the lasting peace that the people of Sudan so desperately need.
 
The United Nations and its partners remain committed to supporting peacebuilding efforts, safeguarding human rights and addressing humanitarian needs in Sudan during this critical time.

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For more information, please contact: Dan Teng’o, dan.tengo@un.org; +249 91 253 2791