UN Warns of Unprecedented Atrocities in Sudan’s El Fasher
November 14, 2025 — Geneva
The United Nations Human Rights Council chief, Volker Türk, issued a grave warning on Friday, describing the scale of atrocities in El Fasher, Sudan, as unlike anything the world has recently witnessed. Türk said the UN has repeatedly sounded the alarm about mass killings, rape, torture and systematic starvation in the besieged city — warnings that went largely ignored.
“Our wake-up calls were not heeded. Bloodstains on the ground in El Fasher have been photographed from space. The stain on the international community is less visible, but no less damaging.” — Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Council
According to UN findings and reporting, more than 150,000 people have been killed and approximately 12 million displaced since the conflict escalated. El Fasher endured an 18-month siege before being captured last month, during which the Sudanese Army reportedly ceded control of the entire Darfur region to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Much of western Sudan is now under RSF control.
The prolonged power struggle between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has torn apart communities and deepened the humanitarian catastrophe across the country.
“Sudan is built on the diversity of its people. This war is ripping apart the social fabric and creating wounds that will last generations,” Türk said, urging all parties to pursue a meaningful peace process, a humanitarian ceasefire and a transition toward inclusive civilian rule.
Türk called on combatants to uphold international law, protect civilians and ensure unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid.
Outside countries have been accused of fueling the conflict: the United Arab Emirates has been alleged to have supplied weapons to the RSF, while Iran has reportedly provided arms to the Sudanese Army.
Mona Rishmawi, a member of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, told observers the suffering in El Fasher eclipses the worst episodes seen two decades ago during the Janjaweed-era atrocities. She cited widespread killing, rape, torture, disappearances and starvation set against the backdrop of an extended siege.
Türk also warned of escalating violence in Kordofan, central Sudan, stressing that the same pattern of bombardments, blockades and mass displacement must not be allowed to unfold there.
“All the signs are there — bombardments, blockades, displacement and disregard for civilian life. Kordofan must not become another Darfur.” — Volker Türk
Concluding his remarks, Türk delivered a stark admonition to the international community: “International law must not be shredded before our eyes. The suffering of the Sudanese people must end.”
Reporting compiled from United Nations statements and field reports, November 14, 2025.
