UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
18 February 2025
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations human rights office on Friday warned of a “dangerous tipping point” in Sudan, as reports of serious human rights abuses continue to surge, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
In a statement, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it had received “credible reports” of at least 124 people being killed and 815 injured since the military seized power in October 2021.
“These are only the cases that we have been able to document,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell. “The real number is likely much higher.”
Throssell said that the vast majority of the victims were civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. She said that the abuses were being carried out by security forces and government-backed militias.
“We are particularly concerned about the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters,” Throssell said. “Security forces have fired live ammunition into crowds, killing and injuring dozens of people.”
The OHCHR also expressed concern about the arbitrary arrest and detention of hundreds of people, including political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
“Many of these individuals have been held without charge for weeks or even months,” Throssell said. “They are often subjected to torture or other ill-treatment, and are denied access to lawyers or family members.”
The OHCHR said that the situation in Sudan is “rapidly deteriorating” and that the country is “at a dangerous tipping point.”
“We urge the authorities to immediately end the violence and human rights abuses, and to hold those responsible to account,” Throssell said. “We also call on the international community to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed and to support the people of Sudan in their struggle for democracy and human rights.”
Reactions
The Sudanese government has denied the allegations of human rights abuses and has accused the OHCHR of being biased. However, the UN has maintained that its findings are based on credible evidence.
The international community has condemned the violence in Sudan and has called on the authorities to respect human rights. The United States has suspended aid to Sudan and has imposed sanctions on some of the country’s leaders.
The European Union has also imposed sanctions on Sudan and has called for the release of political prisoners. The African Union has called for a dialogue between the government and the opposition.
Background
Sudan has been in a state of turmoil since the military seized power in October 2021. The coup was met with widespread protests, which were violently suppressed by the security forces.
The military has promised to hold elections within two years, but there are concerns that the elections will not be free and fair. The opposition has demanded that the military step down and that a civilian government be installed.
The situation in Sudan has been further complicated by the country’s economic crisis. The country has been hit by high inflation and a shortage of basic goods. The economic crisis has led to widespread poverty and unemployment.
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
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