El fasher: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on UN member states to take urgent measures to protect civilians in El Fasher and across Darfur, western Sudan.

According to Qatar News Agency, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk condemned the ongoing killing of civilians in El Fasher, following reports that at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 others injured between October 5 and 8. He noted that preliminary information suggests the death toll may be higher.

The UN official declared in a statement: “I am appalled by the deliberate and wanton disregard for civilian lives. Despite repeated calls, including my own, to pay special attention to the protection of civilians, they continue to kill, injure, and displace civilians, and to attack civilian objects, including shelters for displaced persons, hospitals, and mosques, in complete disregard of international law. This must end.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed that at least 46 civilians were killed in artillery and drone strikes in the Abu Shouk and Darja Awwal neighborhoods and the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons in El Fasher. Reports also indicated that seven other civilians were summarily killed, outside any legal framework.

UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres recently voiced his grave concern about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in El Fasher, North Darfur State, western Sudan. He called on all parties to immediately cease the violence, ensure the protection of civilians, and facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.