New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has “strongly” condemned the recent attacks by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Aj Jazirah State amidst escalating violence across the East African country.
A statement by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General is “appalled by reports of large numbers of civilians being killed, detained and displaced, acts of sexual violence against women and girls, the looting of homes and markets and the burning of farms".
Mr. Guterres warned that such acts may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, stressing that perpetrators of such serious violations must be held accountable.
“The Secretary-General notes with alarm that the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to worsen, with hunger and disease continuing to spread and half of the population in need of aid. He demands that all parties to the conflict facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need in Sudan, through all necessary routes, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
The Secretary-General also renewed his call for a ceasefire to spare Sudanese civilians from further harm.
The statement said the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General will continue to engage the parties and all relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the conflict and explore modalities to strengthen the protection of civilians.
-0- PANA MA 1Nov2024
