NEW YORK CITY: The UN’s high commissioner for human rights expressed deep concern on Thursday about reports of “widespread” extrajudicial killings of civilians in Khartoum following the recapture of the city by the Sudanese Armed Forces on March 26.
The killings have reportedly targeted individuals suspected of collaborating with rival military faction the Rapid Support Forces.
Volker Turk urged SAF commanders “to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life.” He described such extrajudicial killings as “serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law,” and said those responsible, including individuals with command responsibilities, must be held accountable under international criminal law.
Turk’s office has reviewed disturbing videos circulating on social media since March 26. The footage, reportedly filmed in southern and eastern Khartoum, depicts armed men, some in uniform, others in civilian clothes, executing civilians, often in public places.
In several of the videos, the perpetrators state the executions are punishment for alleged support of the RSF. The killings have been attributed to the SAF and its affiliated militias and fighters, and state security personnel.
In one incident at least 20 civilians, including a woman, were allegedly executed by SAF forces and their affiliates in the Janoub Al-Hezam area of southern Khartoum.
In addition to the killings, the UN Human Rights Office has documented what it described as an alarming increase in online hate speech and calls for violence, including the distribution of lists of names of people accused of collaborating with the RSF. Members of ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions appear to be particular targets.
Turk reiterated his call for all those involved the conflict to ensure their forces respect the right to life, in keeping with their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.
He urged Sudanese authorities to swiftly initiate independent, transparent and effective investigations into the killings, in accordance with international standards, to ensure justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.
