UN Human Rights Council Convenes Emergency Meeting Over Sudan Crisis

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold an emergency meeting in Geneva to address the worsening human rights situation in and around el-Obeid, North Kordofan, amid Sudan's ongoing conflict.

The urgent session was requested by Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom after warnings that about 500,000 civilians face the risk of large-scale atrocities. The countries also expressed concern over escalating drone attacks that have destroyed civilian infrastructure, causing severe fuel and water shortages, while thousands remain trapped under siege-like conditions with limited access to basic services.

Following the debate, the group is expected to present a draft resolution for adoption by the Human Rights Council.

Meanwhile, the Sudan Doctors Network accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of detaining 20 doctors, including four women, after taking control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, in October last year. The organisation said the whereabouts of the detained medical workers remain unknown and called on the RSF to release them and allow healthcare personnel to carry out their duties without intimidation or attacks.

The network also reported that 25 healthcare workers were killed in North Darfur between the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023 and the fall of el-Fasher.

Now in its fourth year, Sudan's conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced more than 12 million people, and triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst displacement and hunger crisis. Fighting has intensified in recent months across the Kordofan region and Blue Nile State as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF continue.

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