Geneva: Sudan's Permanent Representative to Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid, met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Trk, to discuss the ongoing siege of El-Fashir by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The meeting was part of the ambassador's regular engagements with United Nations agencies and international organizations in Geneva.
According to Sudan News Agency, Ambassador Hamid highlighted the severe impact of the RSF's actions, including the use of starvation to depopulate the city and the targeting of markets and public facilities with artillery and drones. These actions, he noted, are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ambassador expressed concern over the international community's leniency, which he argued has emboldened the militia to ignore international resolutions and appeals.
Ambassador Hamid also mentioned the UN Secretary-General's proposal for a week-long humanitarian armistice, which the Sudanese government accepted but the RSF refused to honor. He reiterated that human rights remain a priority for Sudan's new civilian government, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idris.
The ambassador also reviewed the RSF's atrocities in North and West Kordofan, particularly in the villages of Dar Hamid, Shaq al-Num, Abu Qaida, and Om Qarfa near Bara city. He urged the international community, especially the United Nations, to transition from issuing statements to taking decisive actions to stop the militia's violations of international humanitarian law.
High Commissioner Volker Trk acknowledged the statements from his office on the situation in El-Fashir and the violations in North and West Kordofan. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner in Sudan and stressed the necessity of accountability measures to ensure justice and prevent impunity. The High Commissioner also mentioned the upcoming visit of appointed human rights experts to Sudan and his planned meetings with officials there.