Geneva: Human rights chief Mr. Trk has reiterated his call for an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has entered its fourth year, devastating the region with severe humanitarian consequences. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced over six million people internally, with an additional 4.5 million seeking refuge beyond Sudan's borders.

According to African Press Organization, Mr. Trk emphasized the deteriorating conditions in Kordofan, Blue Nile, and North and West Darfur, where civilians are at imminent risk. He urged for an immediate ceasefire, cessation of foreign involvement, and a return to inclusive civilian governance. This plea aligns with a new report released by senior independent investigators from the Human Rights Council, highlighting the escalating use of long-range drones against civilians and the alleged support provided to paramilitary groups by entities in the UAE, Chad, southeastern Libya, and Puntland in Somalia.

Mohamed Othman, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan established by the Council in October 2023, reported that both SAF and RSF have increasingly utilized drones, resulting in attacks extending beyond traditional conflict zones. These drone strikes have impacted civilians in various places, including homes, schools, hospitals, and markets. In El Obeid city, North Kordofan, RSF drone attacks have severely affected water, energy, and essential infrastructure, leaving civilians under constant threat.

The report from the fact-finding mission also details attacks on civilians, including RSF drone strikes on a kindergarten and hospital in Kalogie, South Kordofan, which resulted in 114 deaths, including 60 children. SAF forces were also implicated in attacks on Ad-Daein Teaching Hospital, causing at least 70 fatalities. Mr. Othman informed the Council that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both the SAF and RSF have committed serious human rights violations and potential war crimes.

In Khartoum, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the destruction observed in three major hospitals in the capital has been mirrored across Sudan. Key hospitals in Khartoum, which were once leading referral and teaching institutions, have suffered significant damage. WHO Representative Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar highlighted the extensive destruction of operating theatres and imaging equipment, with entire hospital blocks and departments rendered unusable. Despite these challenges, hospital staff continue to provide care in the functional parts of the facilities, as Dr. Abubakar called for urgent assistance to address the widespread damage.