UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk remarks to the Human Rights Council on Sudan

“Both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces have continued to use explosive weapons in densely populated areas, often without warning – showing utter disregard for human life. The parties attacked schools, hospitals, markets, and religious sites, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,” he added.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights lamented the impact of increased use of advanced long-range drones in the conflict. “The increased use of advanced long-range drones has expanded harm to civilians in areas far from the front lines that were previously peaceful. The parties – predominantly the RSF – repeatedly used drones to strike critical infrastructure, including power stations, dams, and fuel storage tanks, with enormous impacts on civilians. An attack by the RSF on electrical infrastructure in Kosti, White Nile, early last year crippled water treatment systems, allowing cholera to spread like wildfire,” he said.

On use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said: “The bodies of Sudanese women and girls have been weaponized to terrorize communities. In 2025, we identified over 500 victims of sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, sexual torture, and slavery – in some cases resulting in death.”

He also reiterated his concern about heinous violations committed in El Fasher recurring in the Kordofan region. “I warned about the risks facing El Fasher many times, but the massacre was not prevented. As the epicentre of the war shifts to the Kordofan region, I am extremely worried these crimes may be repeated. Because these are patterns – of heinous, ruthless brutality. We are already seeing a worrying escalation in drone strikes and blockades by both the RSF and the SAF in Kordofan and beyond, including on humanitarian aid convoys. Since 1 January, these attacks have killed or injured nearly 600 civilians,” said Türk.

“This war is ugly. It’s bloody. It’s senseless. I cannot help but wonder how those driving or benefiting from this madness – both inside and outside the country – can sleep at night. If much of the international community continues to act as a passive bystander, then something is fundamentally wrong with our collective moral compass,” he said.

Recalling the devastation he saw during his recent visit to Sudan, the High Commissioner called on the international community to address the flow of sophisticated weapons into the country. “During my visit in January, I personally witnessed the devastation caused by modern, sophisticated weaponry that continues to flow into the country. We must reverse this flow: let aid in, and keep weapons out,” he said.

He also hailed Sudanese people for their strength and spirit amid the continued conflict. “I said earlier that this conflict has almost turned Sudan into a land of despair, but I need to correct myself. What holds that despair back is the strength and spirit of the Sudanese people, particularly women and youth. During my visit, I saw that this spirit remains undimmed. They will prevail. That is inevitable,” said Türk.

ENDS

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