The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has labeled the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces during their takeover of El Fasher in Darfur as a 'disaster' that could have been prevented. This statement was made during a briefing at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where Turk cautioned about the potential for mass atrocities to recur in Kordofan, a region currently witnessing intensified fighting and drone attacks that threaten civilian lives. Turk's remarks underline the urgent need for attention to the humanitarian crisis in regions vulnerable to violence.

Turk emphasized that despite the clear signs of impending disaster highlighted by his office, warnings about humanitarian risks, especially in besieged areas like El Fasher, were largely ignored. He pointed out past instances where similar atrocities have been documented, particularly during the Rapid Support Forces' effort to seize control of sites such as the Zamzam camp for displaced persons. The lack of a proactive response to these warnings has raised serious concerns about the international community's commitment to preventing further violence.

In addition to the immediate implications for the safety of civilians in Darfur and Kordofan, Turk's statements raise questions about accountability for these crimes. He called for the Rapid Support Forces and their allies to be held fully responsible for the atrocities committed. The ongoing silence and inaction from international bodies in the face of these violations could set a dangerous precedent, allowing military forces and armed groups to continue perpetrating international crimes without fear of consequences, a situation that could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.