UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
18 February 2025 | GENEVA – The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) today expressed alarm at the sharp increase in human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, warning that the country is approaching a “dangerous tipping point”.
In a statement, OHCHR said that it had documented a significant increase in arbitrary arrests, detentions, and torture by security forces since the military coup on 25 October 2023.
“We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The authorities must immediately end the excessive use of force against protesters and respect the right to peaceful assembly.”
OHCHR said that it had also received reports of sexual violence, including rape, by security forces against protesters.
“These abuses are not only a violation of international human rights law, but they also undermine the transition to civilian rule and threaten to plunge Sudan into further instability,” said Türk.
OHCHR called on the Sudanese authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly, release all political prisoners, and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
The statement comes as Sudan is facing a deepening political and economic crisis. The military coup has been met with widespread protests, and the country is also facing a severe economic crisis, with high levels of inflation and unemployment.
OHCHR urged the international community to support the Sudanese people in their quest for democracy and human rights.
“The international community must not stand idly by as Sudan slides towards chaos,” said Türk. “We must act now to prevent further bloodshed and to support the Sudanese people in their aspirations for a better future.”
Background
Sudan has been in a state of turmoil since the military coup on 25 October 2023. The coup was led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who dissolved the civilian-led government and declared a state of emergency.
Since then, there have been widespread protests against the military junta. Security forces have responded with excessive force, killing dozens of protesters and injuring hundreds more.
In addition to the excessive use of force, security forces have also carried out arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists.
The political and economic crisis in Sudan is also having a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Sudanese. Inflation is soaring, and many people are struggling to afford basic necessities.
The UN has called on the Sudanese authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly, release all political prisoners, and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
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