UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Sudanese Living in “Hell”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned of the increasing militarization of society by both parties to the conflict in Sudan.

Speaking at a press conference, he expressed concern over a repetition of the Al-Fashir scenario in the cities of Kordofan, describing the situation for Sudanese civilians as “horrific and hellish.”

Türk made these remarks in Port Sudan following a visit to several Sudanese cities—the first since the start of the war—saying: “The spread of advanced military equipment, particularly drones, has enhanced the capabilities of both the Rapid Support Forces and the army, prolonging hostilities and deepening the civilian crisis.”

He also criticized the diversion of vast sums of money toward purchasing sophisticated weaponry, noting that these funds should have been used to alleviate the suffering of the population. The United Nations has repeatedly urged international actors not to intervene in Sudan’s war.

Türk confirmed that the serious violations committed against civilians in Sudan by the Rapid Support Forces—including attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings—may amount to war crimes. He based this assessment on testimonies from citizens he met in Port Sudan, Dongola, Ad-Dabba, and Merowe, calling for an immediate end to these abuses and for the protection of civilians.

He concluded by highlighting the resilience of the Sudanese people: despite nearly three years of what he described as a brutal war against civilians, their spirit of struggle for peace, justice, and freedom remains unbroken.