Consequences of the war in Sudan. Photo from the archive Sudan: Dozens of people killed in drone attacks in two days Human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday expressed concern over reports that the use of drones by parties to the conflict has killed more than 50 civilians in Sudan over two days.
Drone strikes
“These killings are another reminder of the devastating impact of drone use on civilians in Sudan,” Turk said, also condemning ongoing attacks on civilian sites and infrastructure, including markets, health facilities and schools.
Drone attacks from February 15 to 16 reportedly killed at least 57 civilians, including 15 children, in four states of Sudan. “The ongoing attacks on civilian targets must stop. Urgent measures must be taken to protect the civilian population, including stopping the use of civilian objects for military purposes,” Turk said.
He again called on both sides to stop the violence and maintain dialogue for a ceasefire. He also reiterated his call on all states to “do everything possible” to stop the transfer of arms to Sudan’s war veterans, saying they fuel the conflict and undermine the protection of civilians.
Delivery of humanitarian aid
UN interagency convoy led by the World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Program The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) delivered a large shipment of aid to previously inaccessible areas of Southern Kordofan on Wednesday for the first time in three months. The cargo is designed for 130 thousand people.
Due to the intensification of hostilities along the main route, the convoy had to be delayed for more than 40 days, and then travel by alternative routes off-road, in extremely difficult conditions.
15 WFP trucks, 7 UNICEF trucks and 4 UNDP trucks brought the necessary medical materials and food to people. “Delivery of aid will help support children,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan. “It will enable UNICEF and our partners to continue life-saving treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, and restore access to safe water, health care and other vital services to which every child has a right.”
The UN calls on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to respect international humanitarian law and ensure immediate, unhindered humanitarian access for all civilians in need of assistance.