Sudan: civilian killings doubled in 2025 compared to year before, says UN
Civilian killings in Sudan have more than doubled in 2025, prompting warnings from the UN about the escalating humanitarian crisis.
According to the United Nations rights chief, civilian killings in Sudan have seen an alarming increase, with rates more than doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. This sharp rise in violence is attributed to the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN warns that the situation is dire, with tens of thousands killed, 11 million displaced, and a significant number of civilians remaining missing or unidentified amid the chaos.
Volker Turk, the UN Human Rights Chief, described the war as "ugly, bloody, and senseless" while holding both the warring factions responsible for the ongoing violence. Despite numerous appeals, both the army and the RSF have rejected calls for a humanitarian truce, indicating a lack of willingness to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community's concerns are further amplified by the suggestion that foreign sponsors are supporting this high-tech conflict, complicating the resolution process.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, the implications for regional stability and international responses become increasingly critical. The unprecedented scale of violence and displacement raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of the international community in protecting civilians and addressing the deteriorating human rights situation. With thousands still missing, the calls for accountability and prevention of further civilian harm remain crucial in the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict in Sudan.