The United Nations Human Rights Council is hearing urgent warnings about the escalating risk of genocidal violence in Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a surge in violations by all parties, with accountability remaining scarce.
Latest reports indicate a more than two and a half times increase in civilian killings in 2025 compared to the previous year, with at least 11,300 civilians killed. Both RSF and SAF have used explosive weapons in populated areas, attacking schools, hospitals, and markets. Women's bodies have been weaponized, with over 500 victims of sexual violence documented in 2025.
The offensive in El Fasher, North Darfur, resulted in "carnage that claimed thousands of lives, amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity." The UN rights chief expressed deep concern that similar atrocities may be repeated as the war shifts to the Kordofan region, noting patterns of "heinous, ruthless brutality" and escalating drone strikes and blockades.
The Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan warned that the situation in El-Fasher exhibits "clear hallmarks of genocide" against specific communities. Mass killings, deliberate infliction of conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction, and ethnically charged executions have been documented. Without urgent protection and accountability, the risk of further genocidal violence remains grave and ongoing.