More re details are emerging of atrocities committed during and after the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Since the RSF made a major incursion into the city on 23 October, we have received horrendous accounts of summary executions, mass killings, rapes, attacks against humanitarian workers, looting, abductions and forced displacement.
Our Office has received testimonies from those who fled El Fasher terrified and who survived the frightening journey to Tawila - approximately 70 km away. That's a 3 to 4-day walk. We have received shocking videos as well as other images depicting serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of human rights law.
Telecommunications are cut and the situation is chaotic on the ground, making it difficult to obtain direct information from inside the city.
We estimate the death toll of civilians and those placed hors de combat during the RSF attack on the city and its exit routes, as well as in the days after the takeover, could amount to hundreds.
Our Office has received distressing reports of the killing of sick and wounded individuals inside Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital and at various premises located in the Daraja Oula and Al-Matar neighbourhoods which were temporarily serving as medical centres. These extremely grave allegations raise urgent questions as to the circumstances of these killings in what should be places of safety for anyone in need of medical help.
We have also received alarming reports of sexual violence. Humanitarian partners reported that at least 25 women were gang-raped when RSF forces entered a shelter for displaced people near El Fasher University. Witnesses confirm RSF personnel selected women and girls and raped them at gunpoint, forcing the remaining displaced persons - around 100 families - to leave the location amid shooting and intimidation of older residents.
In addition, our colleagues have documented the killing of humanitarian workers and local volunteers supporting vulnerable communities in El Fasher. At least two local humanitarian responders were killed inside El Fasher on 27 October. As of 29 October, we have recorded at least four incidents in which humanitarian personnel and local volunteers were assaulted. We have also confirmed that three doctors are being detained by the RSF in El Fasher.
Reports are also emerging of serious violations in the context of the RSF capture of Bara in North Kordofan, including the alleged summary execution of five Red Crescent volunteers. An estimated 50 civilians were killed on or around 26 October, some of them during hostilities, while others were summarily executed on accusations of being supporters of the SAF. The number of victims is likely higher. We are continuing to monitor the extremely grave situation.
These latest reports of serious violations potentially amount to numerous crimes under international law, in and around El Fasher, and in Bara. There must be independent, prompt, transparent and thorough investigations into all such breaches of international law, and for those responsible to be held to account. The rights of victims and their families to truth, justice and reparations must be ensured.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk repeats his call on States with influence over the parties to the conflict to act urgently to put an end to the violence, halt the flow of arms that are fuelling the violations we continue to witness, and ensure meaningful protection of civilians.
