The UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk, highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis in El Fasher, Sudan, describing the recent atrocities as a "human rights catastrophe that could have been avoided." His remarks came during a briefing to the UN Human Rights Council, detailing the horrors such as mass killings, rapes, and torture inflicted upon the civilian population by the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These acts have left deep psychological scars on the affected communities, as thousands lost their lives in just a few days and many more were forced to flee in terror.

The ongoing violence in El Fasher has raised significant concerns regarding the potential for similar human rights violations to occur elsewhere in Sudan, particularly in the Kordofan region. Türk warned that the situation could escalate if measures are not taken to protect the civilian populace and hold accountable those responsible for the heinous acts committed. He emphasized the international community's role in advocating for human rights and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.

Moreover, the mention of the RSF’s brutal siege over the past year and a half underscores a broader context of instability in Sudan, where various factions vie for power and control. The UN's condemnation aims to galvanize action and support from other nations to alleviate the suffering in the region and push for accountability among the perpetrators of these atrocities. Without decisive action, Türk fears that more civilians will fall victim to the ongoing violence and suffering across Sudan.