The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has raised concerns over the recent escalation of violence in Sudan, where at least 57 individuals were killed in drone strikes over a two-day period. These strikes, which occurred between February 15 and 16, targeted four states in the country amidst an ongoing conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The commissioner highlighted the troubling trend of increasing drone warfare and its devastating toll on civilians, particularly children, during this ongoing conflict that has persisted since April 2023.

In North Kordofan, an alleged drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on February 15 resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians at the Al Safiya market, with 13 more injured. The following day, similar attacks extended to West Kordofan, emphasizing the widespread impact of the conflict on local communities and raising alarms about the safety of civilians. Humanitarian conditions in these areas continue to deteriorate as both fighting parties are urged to comply with international humanitarian laws to protect non-combatants.

The UN's call to action comes amid growing concerns for the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, especially with a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in affected regions. The international community faces pressure to respond to the situation, demanding accountability for the acts of violence committed against civilians while advocating for urgent protective measures in war-impacted areas. This tragic development underscores the need for immediate international attention and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of this protracted conflict.