Geneva: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Friday underscored the urgent need to respect the UN Security Council's arms embargo and to end any ongoing military support to parties responsible for grave violations in Sudan. According to Kuwait News Agency, Turk issued a stark warning about events unfolding in Kordofan since the capture of El Fasher city. He warned that developments on the ground indicate clear preparations for intensified hostilities and "there is no sign of de-escalation." The UN high commissioner reported that the civilian casualties, destruction, and mass displacement have been mounting. Turk stressed that traumatized civilians are still trapped inside El Fasher city and are being prevented from leaving, expressing concern over continued abominable atrocities such as summary executions, rape, and ethnically motivated violence within the city. He added that even those who manage to flee find that violence does not end, as the exit routes themselves have been the scenes of unimaginable cruelty. Turk called on the states, especially those who have influence over the parties to the conflict, to act quickly and decisively to prevent further carnage and atrocities. He renewed his plea for an immediate end to the violence both in Darfur and Kordofan, stressing that bold and urgent action is required by the international community.
