UN Condemns Atrocities in Sudan as Crisis Deepens
United Nations leaders have strongly condemned reported mass killings of civilians in Sudan, especially following recent developments in El Fasher and the alleged atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The security council issued a statement condemning reported atrocities, including summary executions and arbitrary detentions, and acknowledged the devastating impact on the civilian population.
The condemnation follows reports of nearly 500 people killed at a Saudi maternity hospital, prompting strong reaction from UN Special Envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes (referred too as Fletcher in original text). He also highlighted the plight of tens of thousands fleeing to Tawila, where they face extortion, violence, and abduction, primarily women and children.
The situation is proving particularly sensitive for the United Arab Emirates, a key external backer of the RSF. While calls for the UN to recognize a responsibility to protect civilians from potential genocide – beyond simply condemning breaches of international humanitarian law – have been limited,the issue is expected to create discomfort during UN sessions.
International pressure is mounting, with concerns raised about the potential for arms being funneled to the RSF. The Guardian recently reported the discovery of British military equipment on Sudanese battlefields, as documented by the UN security council. While the UK Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty acknowledged the presence of “a small number of UK-made items,” he maintained there was no evidence of UK weapons or ammunition being used in the conflict.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller has called for a ban on all UK arms sales to the UAE until it can be proven that no previous exports were transferred to Sudan for use by the RSF.
Organizations like Protection Approaches are urging an “emergency coalition of conscience” to protect civilians and hold the UAE accountable for allegedly enabling the violence. Human Rights watch has called for targeted sanctions against UAE leadership, and US Senator Chris Van Hollen is pushing for a bill to ban US arms sales to the UAE.
Despite a roadmap for peace outlined last month by the Quad – comprising the US, saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE – including a proposed humanitarian truce, ceasefire, and transition to a civilian-led government, the plan remains unimplemented. The international community is facing criticism for failing to uphold its responsibilities to protect the population of El Fasher from potential genocide, despite numerous warnings.
