Geneva, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has made an urgent appeal for international attention to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which he described as a tragedy slipping from the world’s collective memory.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Turk’s statement to the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council painted a harrowing picture of the situation in Sudan. The conflict, now in its eleventh month, has resulted in thousands of deaths and a humanitarian disaster, with millions forced to flee and millions more in need of food and medical aid.

Turk highlighted the gross violations of international human rights law by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including indiscriminate attacks and sexual violence as a weapon of war. The High Commissioner’s report to the Council documented at least 14,600 deaths and 26,000 injuries since last April, figures that are believed to be conservative estimates.

The report also detailed the use of heavy artillery in civilian areas, the recruitment of children by armed forces, and the denial of humanitarian access, which Turk noted could amount to war crimes. He expressed deep concern for civilians in arbitrary detention and those subjected to torture and disappearance.

Turk called for immediate action from the international community to pressure warring parties to negotiate peace and uphold their legal obligations to open humanitarian corridors. He also emphasized the urgent need for funding Sudan’s Humanitarian Response Plan, which remains critically underfunded.

The High Commissioner’s visit to Sudan in November 2022 brought to light not just stories of suffering but also of hope. Turk stated that this hope is now at risk and underscored the necessity for the international community to refocus on Sudan to prevent the crisis from spiraling further out of control.