NGOs warn against increasing use of explosive weapons in populated civilian areas in Sudan
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) operating in the Sudan have warned against the increased use of explosive weapons which have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians of recently.
A press release by a forum gathering some 70 INGOs operating in the Sudan quoted reports of airstrikes in Omdurman, to the immediate west of Khartoum, indicating that at least 62 civilians were killed over the past week, with over 200 injured, many seriously.
It added that air strikes on the residential Amiriya neighbourhood, and Gandahar Market in Ombada over the weekend are reported to have used barrel bomb explosives, decimating housing, markets and shops. Some victims died as a result of fires caused by the attacks.
“Parties to the conflict have significantly escalated the use of airstrikes and shelling in the last month, with civilians bearing the brunt of the impact.”
The press release said that the death toll has been rising, as well as the impact on local markets, livelihoods and access to services.
“These attacks come at a time when humanitarian access remains extremely restricted across Sudan, further harming civilians affected or trying to flee hostilities.
The INGOs urged parties to the conflict to uphold their commitments to ensure civilians are protected at all times and to take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimise civilian harm, including by avoiding the use of barrel bomb explosives in heavily populated areas.
They warned that attacking civilians, civilian objects, and public infrastructure is prohibited by international humanitarian law, even in times of conflict.
The INGOs urged the international community to support the immediate institution of civilian protection measures and humanitarian access, not contingent on political negotiations or a ceasefire, to mitigate ongoing and future civilian harm.
-0- PANA MO/MA 9Nov2024
