Sudan: UN rights chief ‘alarmed’ by summary executions, attacks on civilians
GENEVA (31 January 2025) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday expressed alarm at reports of summary executions and attacks on civilians in Sudan, following the military takeover on 25 October 2025.
“I am deeply disturbed by the increasing number of reports of arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, as well as the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters,” Türk said.
“The situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, and I call on the authorities to take immediate steps to end the violence and ensure that all those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable,” he added.
According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), at least 70 people have been killed and hundreds more injured since the military takeover. Security forces have reportedly used live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protests.
OHCHR has also received reports of arbitrary arrests and detention of political activists, journalists and human rights defenders. Many of those detained have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment.
“These violations are a clear breach of Sudan’s obligations under international law,” Türk said. “The authorities must immediately end these practices and release all those who have been arbitrarily detained.”
Türk also called on the international community to take urgent action to address the human rights crisis in Sudan.
“The people of Sudan have the right to live in peace and dignity,” he said. “The international community must not stand idly by while their rights are being violated.”
Background
On 25 October 2025, the Sudanese military launched a coup d’état, overthrowing the civilian-led government. The military has since declared a state of emergency and suspended the constitution.
The coup has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community. The UN Security Council has called for the immediate restoration of civilian rule.
The human rights situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly since the coup. Security forces have used excessive force against protesters, and there have been reports of arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment.
OHCHR is monitoring the situation closely and is calling on the authorities to take immediate steps to end the violence and ensure that all those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
Sudan: UN rights chief ‘alarmed’ by summary executions, attacks on civilians
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