The unbiased specialist described the ongoing events and consequences of conflict and displacement in the country since the escalation of hostilities between the national army and RSF militia in April 2023.

According to OCHA, the UN aid agency, over seven million individuals have been displaced out of a total of 45 million people. Some have fled to neighboring countries for safety and half of the entire population requires humanitarian aid.

According to the most recent situation report published on Sunday by the UN agency, over 13,000 individuals have lost their lives and an additional 26,000 have been wounded since the start of the conflict.

Mr. Noucier explained to UN News’s Abdelmonem Makki the numerous and continuous breaches of fundamental human rights, and stressed the need for an urgent cessation of hostilities and accountability for those responsible.

The interview has been revised for brevity and coherence.

© UNHCR/Ala Kheir

People who have been forced to leave their homes arrive in South Sudan from Sudan by crossing the Joda border.

UN News: The brutal armed conflict in Sudan has entered its tenth month, and you issued a statement on this occasion, deploring the grim human rights situation in the country and urging the leaders of both sides of the conflict to put an immediate end to the violence. Could you elaborate on this?

Radhouane Nouicer: In Sudan, we are observing a variety of infringements on fundamental rights such as extrajudicial murder, indiscriminate bombing of both private and public spaces, illegal imprisonment of human rights activists and NGO members, torture, physical abuse, theft of personal and public possessions, and mass graves. The most concerning issue is the occurrence and recording of multiple cases of gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence against women and girls.

The economy has experienced a sudden collapse in both economic and social aspects. It is important to note that 46% of Sudanese citizens are currently unemployed and the Sudanese currency has faced a 250% inflation rate in recent months.

The court system has been severely weakened. Approximately 19 million children in Sudan are not able to attend school, and there has been a significant amount of displacement both within and outside of the country. More than 7.6 million Sudanese have been forced to leave their homes and communities, with 1.6 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has specific protocols for documenting and gathering accurate information, as we do not make accusations against any government or state without solid evidence.

Source: news.un.org