The UN urgently called on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the international community to intensify its efforts to end the war in Sudan that began on April 15, 2023, between the regular army and their proxies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan visited Chad between June 30 and July 18, where thousands of Sudanese have taken refuge, collecting testimonies in Sudanese refugee camps.
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This UN investigation confirms the work of journalists and various NGOs who travelled to eastern Chad and were able to collect damning and disturbing testimonies on the abuses suffered by Sudanese civilians in Darfur. Based on the testimonies collected in Adré, Farchana and Abéché, the UN investigators described the violence that the refugees were confronted with: “ Murders, torture, forced disappearances and sexual violence, including gang rapes “.
Mona Rishmawi, a member of the UN expert team, says the testimonies of victims of sexual violence “ have been discouraging “. “ These brutal acts must stop and their perpetrators must be brought to justice. “, she complains. According to experts, these victims need solid physical and psychological support, but this is not available in their current conditions.
Other witnesses also reported cases of arbitrary detention, with many violations particularly targeting certain professions, such as lawyers, doctors, teachers or human rights defenders, the investigation said.
The UN mission finally indicates that it is clear that, despite the support provided to these refugees, the needs exceed the available aid, hence the call to the international community to strengthen this humanitarian aid to Sudanese refugees in Chad.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he was concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, where 26 million people are suffering from acute hunger. This is equivalent to the population of Australia. ” he told reporters on Tuesday, July 23.
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