Nearly 200 civilians have been killed in the past six days alone in fresh clashes between the Rzeigat Arab and African Masalit communities, around the town of Kereneik.
Two medical facilities were also attacked and thousands of people were displaced seeking refuge in the town’s military compound.
“WHO join the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other humanitarian agencies and partners in calling for an immediate end to senseless and brutal attacks against civilians, healthcare workers and medical facilities. Health service Dept,“Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director.
Respect medical staff, facilities
Two medical workers were killed when armed gunmen attacked two hospitals in Kereneik and the state capital El Geneina last weekend.
WHO says these attacks are major violation of international lawand calls for respect for the neutrality of healthcare workers, healthcare facilities and patients.
The UN agency added that during the holy month of Ramadan, the parties to the conflict should uphold the core values of mercy, respect, trust and solidarity.
“Medical personnel caring for injured civilians are overwhelmed and there is no danger of intimidation or attack.” Dr Al-Mandhari said.
‘Children are not the target’
According to reports, at least 21 children, including an 11-month-old baby, were killed in the violence.UNICEF) said on Thursday.
Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, underlined that “children are not a target” in hostilities.
“The killing of children is a serious violation of their rights. There is no justification for killing children. We renew our appeal for peace and call on the authorities in Sudan to always protect children in Darfur and across Sudan from harm and violence.” she speaks.
Investigate attacks
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has call for an investigation attacks and calls on the Sudanese authorities to take urgent steps to prevent an outbreak of community violence in West Darfur.
Michelle Bachelet is appalled by reports of murders, injuries and displacement, according to a statement released Wednesday.
“I am concerned that this area continues to see repeated, severe incidents of inter-community violence with mass casualties.. While the initial measures taken by the authorities to ease tensions are welcome, I urge the authorities to address the underlying causes of violence in this area and fulfill their responsibility to protect the people,”she speaks.
Ms Bachelet called for immediate action, including assisting the injured and facilitating humanitarian assistance to displaced people.
“I call on the Sudanese authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, fair and independent investigations into these attacks and hold all those responsible to account in accordance with international human rights law. . Victims and their families have the right to effective remedies,” she speaks.
According to her Office, the human rights situation in Sudan has continued to deteriorate since the October 2021 military coup.
The High Commissioner urges the Sudanese authorities to take credible steps to create an environment conducive to an inclusive political agreement that puts the democratic transition back on track.
