UN Warns of Looming Human Rights Disaster in Sudan’s Al-Obeid
GENEVA- The United Nations human rights chief warned on Friday that a new human rights catastrophe is unfolding in the Sudanese city of Al-Obeid, urging the international community to act as fighting intensifies around the strategic capital of North Kordofan state.
Addressing an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said conditions in Al-Obeid showed unmistakable signs of a worsening humanitarian and human rights crisis as civilians remained trapped by prolonged conflict.
“The signs from Al-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state of North Kordofan,” Turk told delegates.
The emergency session was convened at the request of Britain after its representatives warned of the growing risk of large-scale atrocities following reports that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied fighters were massing around Al-Obeid, raising fears of a major escalation in the conflict.
According to Turk, civilians in the city have endured siege-like conditions for approximately 18 months as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF continue across surrounding areas. He said access to clean drinking water has reached a critical level while repeated drone attacks have further endangered the civilian population.
The UN human rights office documented at least 15 drone strikes in Al-Obeid and nearby areas between June 6 and June 28. Those attacks killed at least 45 civilians and injured another 41, according to figures presented during the Human Rights Council debate.
Turk said the continuing violence, combined with deteriorating humanitarian conditions, underscored the urgent need for international attention and action to protect civilians caught in the conflict.
Al-Obeid occupies a strategically important position in North Kordofan and has become an increasingly significant battleground as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF compete for territorial control. Fighting around the city has compounded existing humanitarian challenges, leaving residents with limited access to essential services.
The latest warning comes amid mounting international concern over Sudan’s conflict, which has triggered widespread displacement, severe food insecurity and repeated allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Britain said the emergency debate was necessary because of growing evidence that the concentration of RSF forces around Al-Obeid could lead to further attacks on civilians and a significant deterioration in the humanitarian situation.
The UN Human Rights Council discussion focused on the need to prevent further civilian casualties and address worsening conditions in North Kordofan as hostilities continue between Sudan’s rival military forces.
