‘Crimes against humanity’ may have been committed in Sudan, says UN chief

‘Crimes against humanity’ may have been committed in Sudan, says UN chief  Al Jazeera English

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Apr 16, 2024 - 11:30 Updated: Nov 15, 2024 - 09:27
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‘Crimes against humanity’ may have been committed in Sudan, says UN chief
Guterres of the United Nations says indiscriminate attacks are killing, injuring and terrorising civilians [File: John Thys/Pool Photo via AP]

Indiscriminate Attacks in Sudan Could Constitute War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, Says UN Secretary-General

Introduction

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sudan could be considered as “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” This comes one year after war erupted between rival generals in the East African country. The United Nations reports that nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan’s population, require aid and approximately eight million have been displaced due to the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Donors convened in Paris to pledge humanitarian assistance.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. Goal 1: No Poverty – The conflict has resulted in acute hunger for 18 million people in Sudan.
  2. Goal 5: Gender Equality – The use of sexual violence against women and girls has been condemned.
  3. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Indiscriminate attacks on civilians could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Fears over Darfur

Situation in el-Fasher, Darfur

UN Secretary-General Guterres has expressed concerns about escalating unrest in el-Fasher, located in Darfur. This western region is home to a quarter of Sudan’s population and has witnessed horrific violence, including mass ethnic-based killings. El-Fasher, situated in North Darfur State, is the only state capital not under the control of the RSF, who are currently in conflict with Sudan’s army. It also serves as a significant regional hub for humanitarian aid.

Reports of Violence and Displacement

Fears have arisen regarding sexual and ethnic-based violence in Darfur since the outbreak of the war. Recently, RSF-affiliated fighters attacked and burned villages west of el-Fasher, resulting in widespread displacement. There are concerns that the city’s only water source could be overtaken. Ongoing fighting on the outskirts of el-Fasher has been reported.

Potential Consequences

UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasizes that any attack on el-Fasher would have devastating consequences for civilians and could lead to full-blown intercommunal conflict across Darfur. Additionally, it would disrupt aid operations in an area already on the brink of famine. Immediate action is required to prevent a catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan, as stated by a UN-backed global authority on food security.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 1: No Poverty

    • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that 18 million people in Sudan are facing “acute hunger,” which can be an indicator of poverty and food insecurity.

  2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

    • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that a UN-backed global authority on food security warned of a potential catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan. This indicates a lack of access to sufficient food.

  3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

    • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
    • Indicator: The article condemns the use of sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, indicating a violation of their rights and safety.

  4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
    • Indicator: The article mentions escalating unrest in el-Fasher, a major regional hub for humanitarian aid. This indicates a potential disruption of basic services and safety in the city.

  5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

    • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
    • Indicator: The article highlights the indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sudan, which could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. This indicates a lack of peace and justice in the country.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 1: No Poverty Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. The article mentions that 18 million people in Sudan are facing “acute hunger,” which can be an indicator of poverty and food insecurity.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round. The article mentions a warning of a potential catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan, indicating a lack of access to sufficient food.
SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. The article condemns the use of sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, indicating a violation of their rights and safety.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. The article mentions escalating unrest in el-Fasher, a major regional hub for humanitarian aid, indicating a potential disruption of basic services and safety in the city.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article highlights indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sudan, which could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, indicating a lack of peace and justice in the country.

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Source: aljazeera.com

 

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