The deputy spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday said UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, again warned of ongoing violence against civilians, including women and children, in and around the North Darfur State capital, El Fasher, in Sudan, following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of the town last week.
Briefing the press in New York on Monday, Farhan Haq said they continue to receive credible reports of summary executions and sexual violence. And more than a week after the takeover, the city remains barricaded, and civilians are unable to leave.
“Hundreds of civilians, including humanitarian workers, have reportedly been killed, while large numbers remain trapped inside the city with little or no communication to the outside world. The delivery of life-saving assistance remains blocked by the RSF, contrary to its obligation under international humanitarian law to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of such relief,” he said. “OCHA stresses that this obstruction is unacceptable and calls for immediate and unhindered access to the people trapped in El Fasher. An immediate cessation of hostilities is crucial to ensure the protection of civilians.”
“The International Organization for Migration reports that nearly 71,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding areas since 26 October, most towards the locality of Tawila, where camps are already overcrowded,” Haq added.
He said many new arrivals have reported killings, abductions, and sexual violence along the way.
“Conditions in Tawila are dire: Families are living in the open or in makeshift shelters, food stocks are running out, and clean water is scarce,” Haq revealed. “We and our partners are providing emergency assistance – including daily meals, healthcare, water, sanitation, nutrition, and psychosocial support – but these efforts cover only a fraction of the needs due to funding constraints.”
Meanwhile, in Sudan’s Kordofan region, violence has also sharply escalated, triggering large-scale displacement and civilian suffering. In North Kordofan State, grave violations – including the alleged summary execution of civilians – have been reported in the locality of Bara.
“IOM reports that between 26 and 31 October, about 37,000 people were displaced from Bara, Um Rawaba, and surrounding villages, many fleeing towards Sheikan and White Nile State. Civilians face mounting insecurity, food shortages, and the destruction of basic infrastructure,” Haq said. “In South Kordofan State, UNICEF said yesterday (Sunday) that at least eight children were reportedly killed and three others injured after missile strikes hit displacement shelters last Friday [31 October]. The reported strikes on these sites in the state capital, Kadugli, underscore the grave risks facing civilians.”
He added that continued fighting has displaced about 400 people from Abassiya and Delami towns, and families are sheltering in makeshift locations with little access to food, water, or healthcare.
“Once again, OCHA calls for urgent, flexible funding to support the millions of people caught in Sudan’s devastating conflict,” Haq stated. “With just two months left in the year, the 2025 humanitarian response plan for Sudan is only 28 per cent funded in the face of overwhelming needs – with $1.17 billion received to date of the $4.16 billion required.”