LOC13:10
10:10 GMT
GENEVA, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk warned on Thursday another wave of atrocities in Sudan amid a surge in fierce fighting across the Kordofan region between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N)
In a statement issued in Geneva Turk reported that since 25 October when RSF captured Bara city in North Kordofan the UN Human Rights Office has documented at least 269 civilian deaths from aerial strikes artillery shelling and summary executions.
He stressed that telecommunications and internet outages hinder accurate reporting therefore the number of civilian casualties is likely to be much higher adding that there have also been reports of retaliatory killings arbitrary detention abductions sexual violence and forced recruitment including of children.
He called on the international community to not allow Kordofan to become another El Fasher and to stand united then unequivocally condemning the barbarous violations and destruction.
He warned at particular risk are Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan which have been besieged by the RSF and SPLM-N and El Obeid in North Kordofan which is partially surrounded by the RSF.
He reported that the humanitarian situation is dire with famine confirmed in Kadugli and risk of famine in Dilling saying that all parties are blocking humanitarian access and operations.
Turk said "We cannot remain silent in front of yet another man-made catastrophe. This fighting must end immediately and life-saving aid allowed to reach those who face starvation" calling also for a safe passage for those fleeing the horror of famine death and destruction is essential and a human rights imperative.
Turk urged all States with influence over the parties to take immediate action to halt the fighting and stop the arms flows that are fuelling the conflict. (end)
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