UN accuses Sudanese forces of crimes against humanity amid Darfur crisis • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Darur Region: A conflict zone in Sudan, largely controlled by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries, off-limits to journalists.
• Sudin Army: One of the warring factions in the Sudanese conflict.
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Paramilitary forces controlling much of Darur, accused of human rights abuses.
• Displaced Persons (IDPs): Individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict.
• Tawila: A town in Darur serving as a refuge for displaced populations.
• Alasia: The capital of North Darur, from which many people have fled.
• Cholera: A waterborne disease causing severe diarrhea and dehydration, prevalent in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions.
• Malnutrition: A condition resulting from inadequate intake of nutrients, exacerbating other health issues.
• Trauma: Psychological distress resulting from disturbing experiences, particularly relevant for victims of violence.
• United Nations Fact-Finding Mission: An investigative body tasked with assessing human rights violations in Sudan.

Darur: A Humanitarian Crisis at the Heart of Conflict

This report provides a rare glimpse into the Darur region, a conflict zone largely controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries, which has been inaccessible to journalists for two and a half years. The conflict between the Sudin army and the RSF has displaced an estimated 560,000 people into Darur, a region that has, until now, been relatively spared from direct fighting.

Displacement and Humanitarian Challenges

The influx of displaced persons into Darur, particularly into the town of Tawila, has created immense humanitarian challenges. The journey to safety is perilous, with refugees like a grandmother and her family recounting experiences of thirst, hiding for days, and lack of food for children. Many have fled from Alasia, the capital of North Darur, approximately 60 kilometers away, due to intense bombings and shelling during the RSF siege.

The displaced populations are heavily reliant on aid, which faces significant logistical hurdles. Trucks carrying essential supplies take days to reach Tawila, and access for reporters is also restricted. Dr. Nazia, observing the situation, notes the massive displacement and the expansion of camps within six months, leading to overcrowding.

Health Crisis: Cholera and Malnutrition

The unhygienic conditions in the overcrowded camps are a breeding ground for epidemics, most notably cholera. The medical NGO Alina has treated over 1,700 patients in a cholera unit. Dr. Nazia highlights that children are particularly affected, with high mortality rates observed in children under five. This is attributed to a combination of factors, including malnutrition, malaria, and the consumption of unclean food and water. The report features a case of a child suffering from both cholera and malnutrition, underscoring the severity of the health crisis.

Trauma and Sexual Violence

Beyond physical ailments, the displaced population, particularly women, are grappling with severe psychological trauma. Abdullah, a refugee himself, assists women in overcoming these experiences. Many women recount harrowing journeys where they were victims of violence by paramilitaries. They describe attempts by armed men to separate women, their resistance, and the tragic loss of loved ones. While not explicitly stating the word "rape," the women describe being forced to comply with sexual violence, being abandoned on the roadside in the dark, and the profound emotional scars left by these experiences.

Accusations of Civilian Targeting

The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan has leveled serious accusations against both warring factions, alleging that both the Sudin army and the RSF have deliberately targeted civilians. This finding adds a critical layer to the ongoing human rights crisis in the region.

Conclusion

The situation in Darur paints a grim picture of a region overwhelmed by displacement, lacking adequate resources, and facing severe health and psychological crises. The RSF's control over the territory, coupled with restricted access for aid and media, exacerbates the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals. The report underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and accountability for the alleged human rights violations.