UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
18 February 2025
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations human rights office warned on Friday that Sudan was approaching a “dangerous tipping point” as violence and abuses surge amid a deepening political crisis.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence and human rights violations in Sudan, which are reaching levels not seen in years,” Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.
Türk said that since the military coup in October 2023, there have been at least 100 people killed and over 1,000 injured in anti-government protests. He also expressed concern about reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and sexual violence against protesters.
“The use of excessive and disproportionate force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and must end,” Türk said. “Those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable.”
The UN rights office said that the political crisis in Sudan has created a vacuum that is being filled by armed groups and militia. It said that these groups are responsible for a wave of human rights abuses, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
“The situation in Sudan is becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable,” Türk said. “We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to engage in a genuine dialogue to resolve the political crisis.”
The UN rights office also called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent Sudan from sliding into further violence and chaos. It said that the international community must provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the crisis and support efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Sudan.
The political crisis in Sudan began in October 2023, when the military ousted the civilian-led government. The military said that the coup was necessary to prevent a civil war, but the move has been condemned by the international community.
The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Sudan in response to the coup. The African Union has also suspended Sudan from the organization.
The political crisis has led to a severe economic crisis in Sudan. The country is facing soaring inflation, shortages of food and fuel, and a sharp decline in the value of its currency.
The UN rights office said that the economic crisis is exacerbating the human rights crisis in Sudan. It said that people are struggling to meet their basic needs and are becoming increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
“The situation in Sudan is a tragedy for its people,” Türk said. “The international community must act now to prevent further suffering and to help Sudan build a better future.”
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
The AI has provided us with the news.
I asked Google Gemini the following question.
Human Rights a new article on 2025-02-18 12:00 titled “UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
36