UNITAMS: Disturbing reports of serious violations in Western Darfur

Moatinoon
The United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in the Sudan (UNITA) said that it had received alarming reports from a variety of reliable sources on the ground of serious human rights violations by Arab militias, allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly in the neighbourhood of Ardamta, El Geneina, Western Darfur.

Todays UNITAMS statement stated that reports received indicated that Arab militias had killed a number of civilians and wounded many others. Reports also indicate that these killings targeted the Masalit community. In addition, the militias launched a campaign to arrest and detain persons suspected of cooperating with the Sudanese Armed Forces before the Rapid Support Forces took control of the Sudanese Armed Forces 15th Infantry Division base.

UNITAMS deplored the fact that civilians had continued to be severely affected since the beginning of the war, with thousands of people displaced, many dead and wounded, and the looting or destruction of civilians property. The Mission reiterated its call on all parties to the Sudanese conflict to fulfil their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law to protect civilians during hostilities.

The statement said that human rights officers were currently verifying and following up on these reports to obtain additional information and confirm details received, including the number of victims and those responsible (for such violations).