Human Lives Human Rights: This week alone, an attack hitting a crowded livestock market in Khartoum killed at least eight civilians, including at least three relatives. The Sudan Armed Forces allegedly carried out the air strike on Al-Muwaliyyah market on 7 June. In another incident on 7 June, a child reportedly died after a shell struck his family home in the Al-Shajraa district, in southern Khartoum.
Reports also exposed the killings of four other civilians in Khartoum on 5 June, and on 4 June at least three civilians, all from the same family, including a pregnant woman. On the same day, airstrikes near the Sport Complex in southern Khartoum hit a refugee centre, reportedly killing at least 10 refugees. No fewer than 71 children have died at an orphanage in Khartoum since the fighting began due to lack of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies.
There are also worrying reports of sexual violence related to the conflict. 12 incidents of sexual violence were reported, against at least 37 women – although the number could be higher. In at least three incidents, the victims were young girls. In one case, 18 to 20 women were reportedly raped.
Increasing reports of apparent enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention are another cause for concern. Journalists are also at heightened risk amid a rise in online hate speech and disinformation.
Human Rights organizations urge both parties to the fighting to ensure protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They must also ensure all violations are effectively and independently investigated and those responsible are held accountable.
