UN human rights chief Volker Turk has issued a red alert, warning that another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in the city of al-Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan. Speaking during an urgent debate at the UN human rights council called by Britain, Turk urged the world to take action to stop preventable atrocities.
The warning comes amid growing fears of an imminent assault, with reports that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and their allies are massing forces around the strategic city. These developments follow ongoing battles for control over areas surrounding al-Obeid between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Civilians in the city have been subjected to siege-like conditions for 18 months, with shortages of clean water reaching a critical point. The population has been further plagued by summary executions, abductions, torture, and sexual violence.
The UN human rights office also recorded the impact of relentless drone strikes in the region. Between June 6 and June 28, 15 drone strikes in al-Obeid and surrounding areas resulted in the deaths of at least 45 civilians and left 41 others injured.