Guterres strongly deplored attacks in Al Jazirah, mass displacement in Sudan

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN head António Guterres on Friday has strongly condemned the escalating attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, as new reports revealed over 135,000 civilians were displaced in 10 days.

 UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a statement issued in New York said “The Secretary General is appalled by the large numbers of civilians being killed, detained and displaced, acts of sexual violence against women and girls, the looting of homes and markets and the burning of farms”.

Mr. Guterres warned that “such acts may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Perpetrators must be held accountable”.

Mr. Dujarric reported that the International Organization for Migration has documented more than 135,000 people displaced from locations across Al Jazirah between 20 and 30 October.

“More than half have fled to Gedaref state, with nearly a third seeking shelter in Kassala state,” he noted.

UN aid coordination office OCHA expressed “deep concern” about civilians trapped by the ongoing fighting as well as those forced to flee.

Mr. Dujarric emphasized “As we have repeatedly said, civilians must be protected whether they move or stay and they must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need”.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners and local organizations and volunteers are providing emergency assistance to new arrivals, including family tracing, reunification services and mental health support in response to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

According to the UN, hunger and disease spreading and half the population need aid in Sudan.

Mr. Guterres “demands all parties facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians in need through all necessary routes,” the statement continued.

He renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire.

Mr. Guterres also announced that his Personal Envoy will “continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to de-escalate this conflict and strengthen civilian protection measures.”