UN Rights Office Warns of ‘Dangerous Tipping Point’ as Abuses Surge in Sudan
February 18, 2025
GENEVA, Switzerland – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a stark warning, expressing grave concern over the surge in human rights abuses in Sudan and the risk of a “dangerous tipping point.”
In a statement released on Friday, the UN rights office detailed a litany of abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force by security forces, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
“We are deeply alarmed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The recent escalation in abuses is alarming and could push the country towards a dangerous tipping point.”
According to the statement, security forces have reportedly used excessive force to disperse peaceful protests, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people since December 2024. Hundreds of people have also been arbitrarily detained, some without charge or access to legal counsel.
The crackdown has been particularly severe in Darfur, where the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Sudan has documented numerous cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence.
The UN rights office also expressed concern about the restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, noting that journalists and human rights activists have been harassed, intimidated, and arrested. This has created a climate of fear and self-censorship among the Sudanese population.
“We urge the Sudanese authorities to respect the rights of all Sudanese people, including their right to freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest,” Türk said. “It is crucial for the government to create a safe and conducive environment for dialogue and reconciliation.”
The statement called on the Sudanese authorities to investigate all allegations of human rights violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and release all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also urged the international community to support efforts to promote human rights and prevent further escalation of the crisis in Sudan.
The surge in human rights abuses in Sudan comes as the country faces a number of challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and inter-communal violence. The UN rights office warned that the deteriorating human rights situation could further destabilize the country and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
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