UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
18 February 2025
GENEVA (Reuters) – The UN human rights office warned on Friday of a “dangerous tipping point” in Sudan, as it documented a sharp increase in human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement that his office had received “credible reports” of at least 127 people being killed and over 5,000 arrested in the wake of the October 25 military coup.
“The situation in Sudan is at a dangerous tipping point,” Türk said. “The excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detention, and other human rights violations are pushing the country towards a point of no return.”
The UN human rights office said that it had received reports of security forces using live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protests. In some cases, security forces have reportedly fired on protesters from close range, killing or injuring them.
The office also said that it had documented cases of arbitrary arrests and detention, with many protesters being held incommunicado and without access to legal counsel. Some detainees have reportedly been tortured or ill-treated.
“These violations are unacceptable and must stop,” Türk said. “The Sudanese authorities must respect the rights of their people, including the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of expression.”
The UN human rights office called on the Sudanese authorities to release all political prisoners, investigate all allegations of human rights violations and hold those responsible to account. The office also urged the authorities to engage in genuine dialogue with all stakeholders to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.
Volker Türk expressed his support for the Sudanese people, and said that he would continue to monitor the situation closely. He also said that his office would continue to provide support to the Sudanese people in their struggle for human rights and democracy.
UN rights office warns of ‘dangerous tipping point’ as abuses surge in Sudan
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