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, saying that a surge in human rights abuses and impunity was threatening the country’s fragile transition to democracy.
In a report, the office said it had documented a sharp increase in arbitrary arrests, torture, ill-treatment and excessive use of force by security forces since the military seized power in October 2021.
“The current situation in Sudan is deeply concerning,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The military coup has plunged the country into a spiral of violence and human rights violations, and there is a real risk that the country could descend into further chaos.”
The report said that at least 114 people had been killed and more than 7,000 injured in protests against the military government since the coup. Security forces have also carried out arbitrary arrests and detentions, with many of those arrested being held incommunicado for weeks or even months.
“The use of excessive force by security forces against protesters is a clear violation of international human rights law,” Türk said. “The authorities must immediately end these practices and hold those responsible to account.”
The report also documented cases of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, including beatings, electric shocks and waterboarding.
“Torture is a crime under international law,” Türk said. “The authorities must immediately investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment and bring those responsible to justice.”
The report called on the military government to take immediate steps to end the violence and human rights abuses, and to restore the country to a path towards democracy.
“The people of Sudan deserve to live in a free and democratic society, where their human rights are respected,” Türk said. “The military government must listen to the demands of the people and take the necessary steps to restore the country to a path towards democracy.”
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
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