Camp for displaced people near El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. Sudan: UN chief announced the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is gravely concerned about the escalation of fighting in El Fasher, Sudan, which is putting more than 800,000 civilians at risk. This was announced by Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Head Farhan Haq.
Guterres said he was alarmed by reports of the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas, leading to dozens of casualties, significant displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The UN chief recalled that civilians in this region are already facing hunger and other consequences of the war, which has been going on for more than a year.
The Secretary-General called on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, namely to protect civilians and allow populations to move to safer areas.
He also asked the parties to the conflict to ensure safe, prompt and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need in El Fasher, as well as throughout Darfur and Sudan. Deliberate attacks on civilians and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian assistance may constitute war crimes, the UN statement said.
Guterres urges the parties to immediately cease hostilities and resume negotiations without delay about a ceasefire.
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